ABUJA — Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has said departed ace journalist and columnist, Pini Jason, will be sorely missed by the nation, describing his demise as very shocking, sad and greatly unfortunate.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Oke Epia, the deputy speaker said he received news of Jason’s death with great discomfiture and sadness, noting that the suddenness of the event took him by an unpleasant surprise and shock from which he is yet to recover.

According to Ihedioha, the late Jason was a brother, personal friend and one whom he had maintained very high regard and admiration for in the many years of elucidating journalism he practiced, adding that his columns provided very well articulated viewpoints and refreshing standpoints on various national issues.

The deputy speaker prayed for the soul of the departed journalist and expressed sincere condolences to his family, the Vanguard newspapers stable as well as the media industry in general.