Governor Emmanuel, Others Mourn Late Ikot Ekpene Monarch

The serene community of Ikot Abia Idem in Ikot Ekpene local government of Akwa Ibom State was Friday ignited as dignitaries from all walks of life gathered to bid farewell to the departed paramount ruler of the area, Okuku, Engr. Augustus Assiak, who passed on at 85.

Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife, Martha, were among dignitaries and stakeholders who assembled at the Methodist Primary School, Ikot Abia Idem for the funeral rites.

Mr. Emmanuel described the Late  Assiak as a peaceful patriot who committed his life to meritorious service to his people, the state and country.

 Assiak, he maintained was a consummate telecommunications and media practitioner and paramount ruler of international recognition, lamenting that his loss had left several Akwa Ibom people in a sad mode.

“He was indeed a colossus who would be missed dearly, and I implore all of us to honour his memory by following the path of peace.

“You needed to see this man in the traditional rulers’ chambers with other paramount rulers when they wanted to flare, he will always be the one to calm situations down, we will miss him greatly,” the governor said.

Mr. Emmanuel however said the state was consoled by the distinctions  Assiak made in public service, which stood him out as “a great repository of knowledge, compassion, profound sense of wisdom and inspiration to all of us.”

Others who spoke included the immediate past Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio who described Assiak as a man of justice who believed strongly in justice and equity in the Akwa Ibom polity.

Akpabio said the deceased rallied with other royal fathers to advocate the doctrines of power shifts, so that all the three senatorial districts could be equal participants in the Akwa Ibom.