Conference of Spokespersons of Political Parties in Nigeria (CSPPaN) has described the deceased National Publicity Secretary of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Comrade Segun Afolabi Jones, as a true patriot.
In a tribute presented by the CSPPaN Chairman, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba in Abuja on Saturday, the body of party spokespersons said the ideals Segun espoused in his lifetime will continue to inspire and propel them in the collective efforts towards rebuilding Nigeria.
Aiyenigba, who is the National Publicity Secretary of Social Democratic Party (SDP), said the late ZLP spokesperson’s marks will remain indelible in the nation’s polity.
The tribute read in part:
“We are gathered here this morning, with heavy hearts to bid farewell to our beloved brother, friend and esteemed colleague, Comrade Segun Afolabi Jones, a man who could be rightly called a socio-political activist; a fearless advocate of social justice, a tireless crusader, organizer and mobilizer for a united and egalitarian Nigerian society.
“Your death is a depletion of our country’s true patriots. As Members of Conference of Spokespersons of Political Parties in Nigeria (CSPPaN), we are here to show how much grieved and saddened we are in our hearts, that in the face of the much work and challenges of nation-building and national rescue that stare us in the face, we lost a remarkable collaborator in our collective struggle for the attainment of a good Nigerian society.
“However, we are gladdened in our hearts, by the avalanche of testimonies, positive comments and tributes that have brought to the fore, and which have highlighted very much, the admirable attributes of our departed colleague as a committed reformist and notable protagonist of a new social order and national transformation.
“We consider it as noteworthy, that our colleague made significant contributions to the formation of our Forum, particularly at the level of ideas synthesis for its take-off. Characteristic of him, he made his mark in generating useful ideas towards guiding the process.
“Our dear brother, Segun Jones was not a man whose voice could be cowed, or one whose face could be lost in the crowd. He was a man of manifest courage of conviction, who would at all times and at every available opportunity, raise his head high and compellingly articulate his thoughts, views, ideas and position on topical national issues.
“From all that have been written and said about Comrade Segun Jones, it could be rightly asserted that he lived true to the noble appellation and billing of a Comrade.
“We have lost him untimely to the cold hands of death, but the essence and ideals he espoused in his lifetime are not lost on us; as a matter of fact, they will continue to inspire and propel us in our collective efforts towards rebuilding our dear county, and his marks will remain indelible in the nation’s polity.
“To keep his memory evergreen, is for all of us to recommit ourselves to the noble ideals which he believed in and promoted. It is also for us to remain steadfast in pushing strongly, the frontiers of democracy and good governance, as well as to continue to strongly advocate for a united and peaceful Nigeria – a country that works for all us irrespective of class, religious orientation and ethnic background of citizens, one that our generation and posterity could be proud of; one in which civil liberties are guaranteed, one that secures and protects all citizens, and a nation that is sustainable.
“As our dear brother transits from this side of the divide and takes his sojourn in the extraterrestrial realm, we should be challenged by this solemn moment, and the reality that our time here on mother earth is transient, and that our allotted time on the stage of life is limited and not open-ended. Our beloved brother departed, we pray that your life and time, as well as your sudden exit will spur us to commit more to noble causes, that by this experience, all of us will choose to live a purpose-driven life, a life of impact, and that we will remain strong in pushing for a better Nigeria, and a peaceful human society in general. Above all, we must resolve to accord due reverence to God our creator while we have the grace of His breath in us, and also recommit to true service to our country and humanity in general.”
