Akwa Ibom politicians unite over death of Emmanuel’s father

As preparations for the interment of Gabriel Emmanuel Nkanang, father of the governor of Akwa Ibom state, gathers momentum, eminent Nigerians have arrived the state to commiserate with the governor.

From the political class, both governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and senators , have buried their political differences to identify with the governor and the larger Nkanang family.

The family has also received the forum of former governors and deputies governors; enlarged state exco of the state; the state civil service; members of the national assembly from the state; members of the state house of assembly as well as ALGON.

Among groups that have paid condolence to the governor are religious groups, traditional institutions, and the leadership of Hausa/Fulani community in the state and students.

Receiving the different groups on a condolence visit, Emmanuel said his family was humbled by the superlative expression of love shown his family. He said his family was happy to receive sympathizers across party lines at this period of grief.

“This is one death that knows nothing about political parties, politics is meant to strengthen us as a people and not to divide us. This thing is like a relay race once you finish you hand over the baton,” Emmanuel said.

While paying tribute to his late father, Emmanuel said the late Nkanang was as a man God whom God honoured in return of his service to Him.

He recalled fond memories of his father as a lover of his family, disciplinarian, reputable teacher and missionary who aided the propagation of the gospel in Kogi, Nassarawa and Niger states, then known as the Ighala Conference of Qua Iboe Church and expressed appreciation to God for giving him the grace to live up to 90 years.

He attributed the accomplishments of the progenies of the Nkanang family to his father’s moral values and character and discipline. The Governor said, “I feel proud to have been a son of this kind of man; through his discipline, forthrightness and the grace of God, we are where we are today.”