Imoke Mourns Gen Ukpo

By Chuks Okocha

Former Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Liyel Imoke, has described the death of former Military Administrator of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Information and Culture, Brigadier General Anthony Ukpo (Rtd) as shocking, He said that Nigeria and Cross River State had lost a true patriot.

He explained that beyond being a military officer, Ukpo was a passionate man, interested in the socio-political life and orderliness of the general society.

The former Governor said the late Brig General Ukpo led the way in several endeavours, where he distinguished himself as a patriotic military officer and leader of thought among the several illustrious sons and daughters Cross River State had produced.

To many young Cross River citzens in the 1970s and 1980s then, Ukpo was a lighting star bestowed to Nigeria by the state and toast to the world for greatness, he said.

According to Imoke, “Brig General Anthony Ukpo (Rtd), a patriotic Nigerian, was a dependable and vocal voice on many issues of national importance. He was truly a pathfinder of sort, as he demonstrated dedication and commitment to service to country and humanity.”

“These stellar qualities would later on in life and in his military career win him the trust of Nigerian leaders at the national level, specifically, during the administration of Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babaginda – IBB (Rtd). Ukpo would later be made a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), ending up as Military Administrator of Rivers State and Minister of Information and Culture,” Imoke added.

The former governor further observed that “in the two positions Ukpo held as Military Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Information and Culture, he left behind indelible marks of honour and legacies that would ever remain timeless in the annals of history.”

Today, in Rivers State, the performance of Ukpo bear witness and testimony to his firm resolve to serve humanity in whatever capacity he found himself.

In Cross River, the late Brig General Anthony Ukpo (Rtd) paid adequate attention to the development and economic growth of the state. Although, he never sort an elective position, he was a reliable pillar who was willing and ready to offer critical piece of advice in the betterment of the state. He will be greatly missed.”

“I also use this opportunity to send my profound condolences on the deaths of Mrs Lilly Ukpo and Mr Emma Ukpo whose sudden deaths occurred earlier on. I console the Ukpo family, the Okpoma and Yala people and the entire Cross River for this irreplaceable loss of Brig General Anthony Ukpo (Rtd). I pray that the Almighty God grant the family the fortitude to bear his departure. May his soul find rest in the bosom of the Lord Almighty.”, he said.