The Government of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday declared seven-day mourning period beginning from December 26 for Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, who died on December 24 from complications arising from COVID-19.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, and made available to journalists in Uyo,
According to the statement, flags will be flown at half mast throughout the mourning period.
Ekuwem in his statement said Nkanga, a former military administrator of Akwa Ibom and leader of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) died from complications resulting from COVID-19 infection.
“The Government of Akwa Ibom State hereby formally announces the death of a former Military Governor of our state, Air Commodre Idongesit Nkanga, who died at night on Dec.24, 2020.
“The information from the Isolation center where he was admitted and managed indicates that the first indigenous military Governor of our state and leader of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) died from complications resulting from COVID-19 infection.
“Requisite protective protocol and contact tracing have been immediately activated,” Ekuwem stated.
Nkanga was the Director-General of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s `Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation’ in 2015 and 2019. He was also the Chairman of the Ibom Airport Development company and Ibom Air.
“The Governor, His Excellency Udom Emmanuel is greatly saddened by the news of his passing and condoles with the bereaved family. Consequently, the Governor has declared a seven day period of mourning effective Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. Flags are to be flown at half mast for the entire duration of the mourning in the state,” he said.
