A'Ibom Gov't Holds Valedictory Session, Immortalise Late Former Gov Nkanga

The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has resolved that the new Ring Road 3 dual carriage way be named after the state's first indigenous Military Governor, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga.

At a special valedictory session held in honour of the departed former Governor at the Exco Chambers Government House, Uyo, Friday, Governor Emmanuel described the late Military Governor as a close friend, confidante and brother.

He said Nkanga remained a reference point for patriotism and statesmanship and that his departure has left a vacuum difficult to be filled.

Describing Nkanga as a reference point for patriotism, statesmanship and forthrightness, Mr. Emmanuel said, "Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, Rtd, was a gentleman, an officer, a nationalist, a good Christian, my political Director-General, my personal friend, leader of Ibibio nation, good night”.

Bemoaning his sudden passage, the Governor said Nkanga was a coordinating force in Akwa Ibom State and the entire South-South region. 

“Words will fail me to describe how we grieved when we lost this Idongesit of our time, it took time for the void and disbelief to be filled with the acknowledgement that our icon now belongs to the ages and not with us anymore."

"That was when we realized how much he meant to us, how much we identified with him, how much he had become part of the Akwa Ibom dream, we feel a collective sense of deprivation because he still had a lot to contribute”.

The ceremony featured tributes from the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt.(Hon) Aniekan Bassey, Senator Helen Esuene as well as former State Chief Judge, Rtd. Justice Idongesit Ntem-Isua and Chief Obot Etukafia, who both had served as commissioners under the deceased.

The occasion climaxed with the adorning of the casket of the late Military Governor with the national and state flags and observation of a minute of silence in his honour.