Nigerians have described Imam Imam, deceased Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Aminu Tambuwal, Governor of Sokoto State, as an astute journalist and a good man.
Imam died in the early hours of Friday at Nziamye Turkish Hospital in Abuja, after a brief illness, according to a statement by the Sokoto State government.
“Innallillahi wainah illahi rajuun. We regret to announce the death of Mallam Imam Imam who until his death was the Special Adviser Media to His Excellency, Aminu Tambuwal. He died in the early hours of Friday at Nziamye Turkish Hospital in Abuja, after a brief illness,” the statement read.
Friends and colleagues also took to tweeter to mourn Imam, recalling the many memories they shared with him.
Very very in shock! Oh Allah, Imam Imam is gone, this life is ‘absolutely’ nothing. Ya Allah forgive all his shortcomings, comfort and take care his family and grant him the highest rank of Jannah. Allah ya jikan Imam. He was so amazing, very good person and a friend to all.
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) April 27, 2018
Imam Imam was like a blood brother to me. We spoke at length on Friday last week. I never knew it was a goodbye. ???????????????????????????? #RIPImamImam pic.twitter.com/hF7txMKl9s
— simon kolawole (@simonkolawole) April 27, 2018
IMAM IMAM;A goodman is gone.This is all about Life.May Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi.Amin. pic.twitter.com/21MCSnCHfi
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) April 27, 2018
Imam Imam. Just like that. I don’t understand.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) April 27, 2018
A GREAT JOURNALIST & PR PROFESSIONAL, IMAM IMAM DEPARTS OUR SINFUL WORLD
* Until his death, Imam was Spokesman to Governor Tambuwal
I woke up to receive a rude shock on the sudden death of our beloved journalist-colleague, PR professional/Spokesman, Mal. Imam Imam @imamdimam pic.twitter.com/xVKMElKG4j
— Sumner Shagari Sambo (@Sumner_Sambo) April 27, 2018
Imam, for all you were and all you did, thank you. Allah (SWT) has chosen to end this chapter this way but I will never forget how amazing you were to me. You were always there like a brother to me and may Allah’s mercy be upon your soul, and His protection upon your family. pic.twitter.com/H6PmJYtX6b
— Rinsola Abiola (@Bint_Moshood) April 27, 2018
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
This is indeed a big loss. He was a brother and good friend.
May Allah grant Imam Imam Al jannah Firdaus.
A reminder that this world is indeed nothing.— Fatimah Oyelami (@MsTyma_) April 27, 2018
In the final analysis, the question is, what’s all the struggle, rat race, in-fighting, superiority complex all about?
As you read this, a very gentleman full of life is gone. What makes you special?
Good night Sir Imam Imam
This Life!!!
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— Tunde Eneji (@iameneji) April 27, 2018
We lost a very good friend and brother, Malam @imamdimam. Imam was a gentleman and a good journalist. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to his family, friends and the Governor of Sokoto State @AWTambuwal. Allah ya jikansa da rahama ya bashi Aljanna! pic.twitter.com/hpZ3KO27Uq
— Dr. Aminu Gamawa (@aminugamawa) April 27, 2018
We in Taraba State have lost one of our finest. This is a very very painful lost. Allah ya gafarta maka Imam.
I was so happy when he declared his intention to seek for office in Taraba and we talked a lot on the future of our dear State. Oh dear!
— Abdulrahman Usman Leme (@Abdulrahmanleme) April 27, 2018
Imam Imam is dead?
The rate at which young people die in Nigeria is worrisome.
— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) April 27, 2018
Imam was my hope. And in spite of this grief tearing me apart now, I’m consoled by my ability to write what I thought about him while he was with us. Repeatedly. He wasn’t just a friend, he was a fine model. Go well, @imamdimam, rest in peace. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihir rajiun. pic.twitter.com/c37YDG6TdC
— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) April 27, 2018
Born on July 16, 1977 in Gboko, Benue State, Imam, who hails from Taraba State, studied Mass Communication at the Kaduna State Polytechnic, before kick-starting his career the now rested New Nigerian newspaper. He rose to become the paper’s Sports Editor.
He later joined ThisDay Newspaper, rising to become the paper’s Bureau Chief in Kaduna State, and later, Group Politics Editor.
Imam was appointed Tambuwal’s spokesperson, shortly after the latter was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, and again when he became Sokoto State governor.
The cause of his death is still uncertain but his funeral has been scheduled to hold later on Friday in Abuja.