Nkanga’s death, colossal loss to my administration – Emmanuel

Akpan Umoh

The 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, loyal and disciplined 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 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.

“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,” Emmanuel said.

In his tribute sent to the family, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) described late Nkanga as one of the military officers Nigeria has 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.

The 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.