BY: VITALIS UGOH, Calabar
Cross River state governor, Senator Ben Ayade, has described the death of one – time Military Administrator of Rivers state, Brigadier-General Anthony Ukpo (rtd) as a monumental loss to Cross River and Nigeria.
General Ukpo was also a former Minister of Information until his demise on Monday.
A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, said the governor described the General’s transition as a tragic and mounememtal loss to Cross River in particular and Nigeria in general.
Ayade commiserated with General Ukpo’s family and the military, saying, “an illustrous son, a fine and gallant officer has left us.
“As a state, we are pained by the loss of this thorough bred officer, an illustrous son of Cross River.
“General Ukpo’s death has robbed our dear state of his wise counsel. He was forthright and a partner in building a Cross River of our dream.”
Continuing, the Cross River state governor recalled that the late General Ukpo applied himself diligently and dutifully to all the national assignments enthrusted to him to the applause of his superiors.
“As a military officer, General Ukpo had a distinguished career, as a Military Administrator he excelled beyond expectations and as a Minister he showed passion and professionalism. He left these offices without blemish. He was a rare gem.
“We are indeed hurt by his demise, we are pained that General Ukpo had to leave us at this time but as a people of faith, we cannot question God. We can only pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“On behalf of the people and government of Cross River state, I condole with General Ukpo’s family, his immediate community, Okpoma and the Nigerian Army.“
While assuring the Ukpo family that his prayer and thoughts are with them at this trying moment, the governor prayed God to “grant all us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
