By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has postponed the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected State Executive Committee members following the sudden demise of its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr Karamo Yesiro.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration of the new state exco will now hold on Friday at the party secretariat.

The news of Yesiro’s passing came on Wednesday evening barely 24 hours after his re-election as the party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary at the Lagos State APC Congress held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium).

Addressing the newly elected APC State Executive Committee members who gathered at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja, the APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, described Yesiro’s sudden death as shocking.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Lagos APC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, political associates, friends and supporters during this difficult time.

“We pray that Almighty God grant his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grant his soul eternal rest,” Ojelabi said.

Ojelabi said that Yesiro would be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the ruling party.

Before briefly announcing the postponement of the planned inauguration to Friday, Ojelabi called for prayers for the family of the deceased and the party.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the party secretariat, Setonji David, Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly and member representing Badagry Constituency II, described Yesiro’s death as tragic.

David, who described Yesiro’s death as most unfortunate, said he was a true party man.

“It is quite unfortunate. I didn’t hear about it until I got here. He (Yesiro) was there on the field with us at the state congress just last Tuesday. That is how ephemeral life is.

“It is quite unfortunate to lose him suddenly. I pray God grant his family fortitude to bear this loss,” the lawmaker said.

Also speaking with NAN, the APC Spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said the death of his assistant was devastating.

Oladejo said: “We cannot go ahead with the swearing in ceremony and inauguration of the newly elected party managers today again because of his demise.

“His death came at a time when his energy, commitment and passion for progressive politics were most needed. May God rest his soul.”

He added that the party stood united in mourning the painful departure of the late Assistant Publicity Secretary.

NAN correspondent, who monitored the situation at the party secretariat, observed that many party leaders and members for the swearing-in ceremony were visibly shocked by the news.

Many of them were seen standing in groups lamenting the loss of the party official. (NAN)