UDO EKPENYONG’S DEMISE HAS LEFT A BIG VACUUM - A’IBOM ASSEMBLY MEMBERS

… As Ukanafun Stakeholders, Others Commiserate PDP

The demise of the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Udo Ekpenyong, has continued to attract commiserations and reactions from various groups and associates of the Ukanafun born political leader.

At the visitation to the state leadership of PDP, Monday February 15, 2021, members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, hold that the demise of the party chairman has left a big vacuum in many respects. The speaker of the state legislature, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said the death of the Obong Udo Ekpenyong is a sad development in the political sphere of the state and has left a mark that will not be forgotten. He observed that the late chairman was an unapologetic loyalist to the party and patriotic Akwa Ibomite. Speaker Bassey also noted that Obong Ekpenyong “never forgot where he came from”. He further encouraged the party to “build on the ideals that he represented”, which he said are “sanity, discipline and uprightness”. He said he will miss “a great friend and father” in Obong Ekpenyong.

In a subsequent condolence visitation by stakeholders from Ukanafun, the late Ekpenyong’s kinsmen expressed grieve over the death of the party chairman, holding that he will was an impeccable leader, given the standards credited to him and the much value and impact that he exuded at various levels of public service and engagements with people.

The spokesperson of the Ukanafun delegation, Obong (Hon) Eno Akpan, who is a former National Assembly member and commissioner, in his solemn remarks, expressed deep pain of Ukanafun people of losing a man like Obong Ekpenyong. He specifically decried the loss of a benefactor in Udo Ekpenyong, to the indigent people whom he constantly took care of in many ways including educational and economic support. Obong Akpan, noted that “it is very difficult to know what to really say about the incident”, adding that ” it is a very pitiable situation” not just for Ukanafun, but so many people.

As chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council in 1996, Obong Eno Akpan pointed that the late PDP boss established an impactful local government administration that crested his name in the good history of the area. He recollected events where Obong Ekpenyong displayed admirable virtues that made good records for him.

In his words, “as chairman of Ukanafun in 1996, Obong Udo Ekpenyong left a mark that cannot be forgotten. He was a pan Akwa Ibom man. He was very active as member of the national leadership of PDP. He came to this party as state chairman to add value to what he inherited. ”

Akpan commended the state leadership of PDP for honouring the departed chairman, noting that it is a sign that he was loved and respected. “We thank you for showing this love and honour to him. When we get home, we will tell our people that indeed Udo Ekpenyong worked with good people.”

The delegations from Etinan, Udung Uko and Essien Udim, who arrived separately, also condoled with the party and the family on the loss of Obong Udo Ekpenyong. The leaders of the delegations, Obong (Dr) Okon Emmah, Chief Okon Osung and Chief Michael Afangide who was represented Chief E. B. Umana, shared in the grieve of the party and registered their condolences. They prayed for the fortitude to bear the loss.

Rt. Hon. Lawrence Udosen, the Acting State Chairman of PDP, thanked the various delegations and assured them of honour and immortalisation of his immediate boss, by the party.

“I am touched and really moved by the array of stakeholders that have come. You have shown that you loved Udo Ekpenyong as one of your own. I stand here with a very heart to receive the condolences”, he said.

Expected for condolence visitations on Tuesday February 16, 2021, are delegation from Ikot Ekpene, Nsit Ibom, Ibeno and College of Personal Aides to the Governor.

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