CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, has warned members against making or announcing burial arrangements for late veteran journalist Mr. Anietie Akpan without the express consent of his bereaved family.
The Council Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, issued the appeal in a statement to NUJ members following the death of Akpan, urging colleagues to respect the family’s privacy and allow them to take charge of the deceased’s final rites.
Bassey said members, regardless of their positions, affiliations or groups, should discontinue any purported arrangements, plans or announcements concerning the burial.
She stressed that the responsibility for announcing the burial date, programme and other funeral arrangements rests with the family.
“The burial is first and foremost a family affair, and all burial arrangements, dates, programmes and related announcements must be made and communicated publicly by the family of the deceased,” Bassey said.
The NUJ chairman warned that no individual, group, committee or organisation should assume authority to speak for the family or make commitments concerning the funeral without its express approval.
According to her, the period calls for compassion, restraint, unity and sensitivity rather than activities that could place additional pressure on the bereaved family.
Bassey urged members to honour Akpan’s memory by respecting his family’s wishes and allowing them to determine the manner and timing of his final rites.
“Let us honour the memory of our departed veteran by giving his family the dignity and privacy they deserve and by allowing them to lead the process of his final rites in accordance with their wishes,” he said.
She further appealed to members to adhere strictly to the directive and avoid actions that could compound the family’s grief.
Bassey prayed for God’s comfort for the bereaved family and eternal rest for the late veteran journalist.
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