Shock, disbelief and sorrow have trailed the death, on Monday, of record-breaking newspaper Editor, Sir Innocent Oparadike. He was said to have died of cardiac arrest, aged 65.

Born November 22, 1950 Innocent Oparadike held a record as the first and only southerner and Christian to edit the Federal Government-owned New Nigerian newspaper based in Kaduna in the country’s South-West region.

He later became Managing Director of Daily Times Newspapers, Lagos.

Tributes have been pouring in since the news broke, with several people expressing disbelief, shock and sadness over the development.

“Mpidike is gone!!!!” wailed eminent lawyer, Chief Goddy Uwazuruike, immediate past President of Igbo think tank Aka Ikenga, addressing the departed veteran journalist with his favourite chieftaincy title. “This news about Innocent Innocent Oparadike is shocking!!!! It is so sad because Mpidike has always been a philosopher per excellence!! A motivator!!! A friend!!!!”

Another mourner wrote on Oparadike’s Facebook wall: “Am speechless and sad to learn of your demise Chief. I met you during Igbokwenu courtesy visit to His Excellency Chief Sir Achike Udenwa (Onwa) former Governor of Imo State two years ago with Sir Peter Agba Kalu and the group members in Owerri. You were such a jovial, kind hearted and intelligent man, encouraging and supporting my charity projects for the less privileged ones in the society.

“Chaiii, my heart bleeds. A rare gem is gone, a man of the people is gone, a great iroko has fallen. I weep with a heavy heart but God knows the best.”