Some political heavyweights from Akwa Ibom in Nigeria have joined numerous sympathisers within and outside the state to mourn over the eternal exit of Udo Umoren Akpan.
Akpan, an elder and a Lay President in Methodist Church Nigeria, was the father of Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, Chief of Staff to Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Dr. Anietie, Engr. Nkereuwem and other children.
Senator John James Akpanudoedehe in his condolence to the bereaved family wrote “Your father offered rich service to humanity in the church; in the classroom and in the community; even within administrative contexts, as well as mentored several people.
“His legacies will live forever in the minds of those who knew and interacted with him.”
Akpanudoedehe who is the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committee admonished the bereaved “Please find solace in the fact that death is a universal eventuality applicable to all; but that it merely serves as a vehicle to usher a child of God into eternal bliss with his Maker.”
Also, Senator Effiong Bob penned “It may take sometime to get another person in the mould of the late Elder Patron Udo Umoren Akpan (JP) as far as you are concerned.
“Therefore, he continues to live in the minds of his people… As I pray God to give you people the fortitude to bear the loss, may He also grant the soul of the late Elder Patron Udo Umoren Akpan eternal repose in the bosom of the Lord,” Bob advised.
Onofiok Luke, a member representing Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium in the House of Representatives, equally joined in sending his condolence to family, noting “As a man whose stock in trade honesty and transparency, he was a role model to the younger generation.
“My thoughts are with you and your family at this moment of grief, while I pray that you and other family members find solace and comfort in the fact that he lived a fulfilled and impactful life. I trust that the wonderful memories of the joyful times spent together will comfort you all and will remain eternal in your hearts,” Luke, also the immediate past speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, wrote.
The remains of Elder Udo Umoren Akpan would be interred in his hometown, Ukana Ikot Ide in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom, after a funeral service by Methodist Church Nigeria on Friday, September 25.
