ETIM EFFIONG
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has said that the death
of the former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Air Commodore
Idongesit Nkanga (rtd) is a colossal loss to his administration.
According to Emmanuel, Nkanga was a dependable and a passionate
believer in the principle of right and wrong, loyalty and discipline,
and a man of character, which shaped him for the numerous leadership
positions he held.
Emmanuel said this in his remarks during the burial ceremony of late
Nkanga at his country home in Ikot Nya, Nsit Ibom Local Government
Area on Saturday.
He described late Nkanga as his friend, close confidant with whom he shared
thoughts and ideas, visions, and brainstormed together on the way
forward for Niger Delta and for Akwa Ibom.
Emmanuel said Akwa Ibom, the Niger Delta and Nigeria would miss his
fatherly and professional advice in many aspects.
The governor said, “Today we are gathered here in this quite serene village to pay
tribute to a man who was in every sense of the word a colossus, a
statesman, a patriot, a man of impeccable character and integrity.
“His bonds and dedication to Akwa Ibom project and Niger Delta and
larger Nigeria enterprise was total and non-negotiable.
“We are gathered here to bid farewell to a friend to a man who was
fashionably committed to the development of Akwa Ibom State. I find it
difficult to address our elder statesman in past tense.
“Today, instead of walking in long step with me as he always did since
faith brought us together in a political journey several years ago, I
am here starring at the flag starred casket of our revered Otuekong.
“A man of Christian masculinity. The song is ended but the memory
lingers on, the song may have ended today for you my brother.
“The song may have ended for you my DG, my friend, my confidant, the
song may have ended for you Idongesit Akwa Ibom, but the memories of
your factful life linger on.”
In his tribute sent to the family, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd)
described late Nkanga as one of the military officers Nigeria had ever
produced.
The tribute, which was read by Brig. -Gen. Anthony Etukudo (rtd), said
Nkanga was a very good administrator, endowed with passion for hard
work.
“As a Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, which I created in 1987.
Late Idongesit Nkanga came to the world as a uniform soldier, fought
for the unity of Nigeria and its development.
“He retired from the military but still remained as a fighting soldier
in mufti. He fought many battles of life for the development and
advancement of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
“His legacies as Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, are
unquantifiable. Nigeria will greatly miss his rare ingenuity.
“I thank Akwa Ibom State for having given Nigeria a genuis in the
person of Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga.
“May his soul rest in peace. And may his immediate family and indeed
Akwa Ibom State, take consolation in the fact that Air Commodore
Idongesit Nkanga has just passed over, but he will never die,” he
said.
Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in their tribute, signed by the
National Secretary, Dr Alfred Mulade, said they were still in shock
over the sudden demise of Nkanga.
PANDEF said they were saddened by his death, describing him as a
selfless, humane, broad-minded, trusted leader, esteemed compatriots,
and statesmen.
“Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga was unwaveringly committed and
dedicated to the founding ideals and objectives of PANDEF; to find
unity, peace, and development in the Niger Delta region.”
Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa in his tribute said Nkanga remained one of
the strongest voices in protecting the interest of the Niger Delta,
adding that the region has lost one of its biggest activists.