The news of the death of Mr. Bashir Musa, Nigeria’s Deputy Ambassador to Switzerland was confirmed by Mrs. Fidelia Njeze, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the country.
According to her, Musa died on Tuesday in Bern at the age of 56 after a brief illness He joined the foreign service in 1982. “I worked with him closely for a short period; we were both appointed about the same time last year,” Njeze said.
“He was quite an easy going person who was committed to his job, and a nice family man too. May his soul rest in peace.’’
She added that a condolence register had been opened at the embassy. “Members of the Nigerian community have been here on condolence as well as the diplomatic corps and the Swiss government.’’
According to reports, plans are under way to take his remains home.
Musa, who was appointed ambassador in 2012, had previously worked at the Nigerian High Commission in London.
Reacting to the news of his demise, his colleagues described him as a fine diplomat.
Mr. Olayinka Aje, the Head of Protocol, at the commission said: “He was hardworking, amiable and very reliable, we joined the foreign service together and I have known him for 30 years”.
Similarly Mr. Tajudeen Adeniyi, Special Assistant to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, expressed shock at the news.
“He was a perfect gentleman, I met him in 1992 and we have maintained a cordial relationship since then. May his soul rest In peace, I also wish the family the fortitude to bear the loss.” Adeniyi added.