By Raphael Ekpang
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has joined Nigerian Union of Journalists to mourn the late Albert Akota who until his death was a reporter with People’s Daily assigned to cover the activities of the commission since 2014.
Reacting to Akota’s demise, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) said, the profession of the pen is one of the most relevant and crucial professions in democracy, it serves as a watchdog, monitoring, reporting and holding people accountable. When the pen loses its voice, there is always an outpour of grief, sadness and disbelieve. Such is the case with our beloved departed friend and brother, Albert Akota.
According to him, “we at the National Human Rights Commission received the news of his demise with shock. There has been an atmosphere of gloom, sorrow and disbelieve especially those of us that interacted with him at the last media event organized by the Commission.
“Albert the Son of Akota, as he fondly referred to himself, has been a judicial correspondent at the Commission since 2014, where he played his role judiciously, covering events organized by the Commission, and reporting accordingly.
“He was known for accurate and prompt reporting of Commission’s stories.
“Albert, your pen has turned dry by the cold hands of death! But your spirit lives on,” he said.
Ojukwu stated further, “the profession of the pen has lost one of its finest journalists. Albert son of Akota will be remembered as one of the human rights family.
“His jokes and mannerism will always come to mind. His death has left a huge vacuum in the NHRC team especially to members of the “Gang” .
“Continue to rest in peace Albert, till we meet to part no more!” NHRC’s scribe prayed
Meanwhile, Akota who has struggled with ill-health for a while now passed away on Saturday at Maitama Hospital where his corpse is currently deposited at the morgue.
Also, Akota was the immediate past secretary of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria FCT chapter and chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, People’s Daily chapel.
