Many especially journalists in the country could not come to reality over the untimely demise of a one-time Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Parchi Umoh, the incident described as a candle in the wind.
Umoh, a Commissioner during Obong Victor Attah administration, was said to be sound in health a forthnight ago.
He had worked in the Nigerian Chronicles as a Features writer, The managing editor in The Champion newspapers, and Chief Press Secretary to a military Governor.
In his Facebook wall, Bonny Sampson, a veteran journalist under the title “GONE LIKE A CANDLE IN THE WIND, commented “I find it hard to talk about you today in the past sentence. The last time we chatted you sounded sound. There was a sign of your ominous departure to the great beyond.
Sampson who had worked with The Guardian newspapers said “When VETERAN Journalists decided to visit project sites of the PDP regime.
“Three Days Fact-finding Tour: As Editorial Team leader of the project sites em embarked upon by the League of Veteran Journalists, AKS, the 3- day tour of the Udom Emmanuel’s 4years administration was a huge eye-opener indeed.
According to him, “The tour was for the senior Journalists to see ourselves and confirm the media hype on the state govt’s’ industrialization drive which was a great source of debate between the opposition APC and Govt media managers.
“As Chairman of Editorial sub-committee, you were so passionate about the vision that you encouraged us to go the extra mile in order to present an unbiased “on-the-spot report.
“But the Report and recommendations which would have helped the Udom administration to get it right thereafter didn’t see the light of day.
Also the honourary secretary of League of Veteran Journalists in Akwa Ibom, Sampson noted “The recommendation that accompanied that Report may have been part of the reasons why it was shut down by the govt’s media handlers.
“You were a great bridge builder, a thoroughbred journalist who believed in teamwork. The statement from the family said he would be buried on 27 & 28 August 2020.
“May your kind SOUL find peaceful repose in God your Maker. Adieu, Great Veteran Editor.”
Thereafter, other journalists poured grief over the eternal exit while others expressed utter shock over the demise of Umoh.
From Mr. Isaiah Udo, a one-time press secretary to Deputy Governor, came “May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.”
Emeka Obasi, a one-time editor with The Champion newspapers, wrote “Obong Parchi Umoh? Na lie.”
Imoh Etimudo, a senior staff of NTA 12, Uyo “Jesus! What! I have met him a few times, and he gave me hints of being a successful Journalist. May his soul rest in peace.
Emmanuel Esifa, the immediate chairman of Veteran Journalists in Akwa Ibom, said “I am still beyond the cloud & yet to find bearing! But we spoke about a fortnight ago? Howbeit Heaven must open for PARCHI!
Joseph Ukpong wrote “Parch Umoh died? This life!”
Stanley Job said, “May his soul rest in His bosom.”
Fortune Archibong noted “A shocker indeed, unbelievable!”
Aniefiok Udonquak, Akwa Ibom correspondent for Businessday, remarked “Can’t bring me to believe this. God, please have me.”
Dominic Akpan, secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, penned “So sad. RIP.”
Joseph Robert, a Chief Information Officer, Akwa Ibom Ministry of Information and Strategy, shuddered “Awwwwwwww! Eternal rest grant unto his soul o Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him
Ikay Thomas-Amadi expressed “My condolences.”
Sam Akpe, a media consultant, wrote “So the news is true after all? He was my teacher and my boss. The last time I spoke with him was on his birthday. What a loss. So painful. May he find rest in the Lord
Ikpong Essien-Udom, a one-time editor, The Pioneer newspapers said “May the soul of this great Editor, Press Secretary to HE, Information Commissioner, Media Manager, etc rest in peace. Adieu, a friend of many. Adieu Parchi
Gibert Ukoh, a media consultant, wrote “Good Night Patchy!”
Adekeye Niyi said “May his soul rest in peace
Francis Akpaekong, a journalist wrote “Hard to believe! ‘Was so impressed with your FAITH CAPSULE! This is a loss, a great loss!”
Bassey Udo, Business editor with Premium Times, said “A loss indeed! Rest in peace, Parchil”
Meanwhile, the remains of Parchi Umoh will be interred in his compound, Ikot Ambang along Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Highway in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area on Friday, August 28.
