The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, has bowed out.
Ekpenyong died on Monday in Uyo, a member of the family and political associate who did not want his name mentioned, told Straightnews, Tuesday morning.
”He was sick for some time until the governor wanted him to be taken to an undisclosed hospital for better care and treatment. We were shocked when we heard that he had passed onto eternity Monday night,’’ he lamented.
Before his election as the state PDP chairman last year, he was the immediate past commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state.
Aged 63, he was known to be a strong supporter of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
An indigene of Ikot Oku Usung in Ukanafun Local Government Area, Ekpenyong was a one-time Ukanafun Local Government Chairman; Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs to ex-Governor Victor Attah and Chairman of ex-officio members of Peoples Democratic Party in the country.
Survived by Elizabeth, wife and five children among whom are Frank, Ekpenyong, Silver, Aniekan and a host of other relations.
He attended Holy Family College, Abak, defunct College of Education, Uyo, and University of Benin.
Ekpenyong was a member of defunct National Republican Convention, All Peoples Party (APP).
So far, Akwa Ibom State has lost two leading lights: a former Chief of Air Staff, AVM Nsikak Eduok (retd) who died of renal failure, and a former military governor of the state, Idongesit Nkanga who died of COVID-19.
