By Jonathan Ugbal: Government House Correspondent
Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade has described as shocking and devastating the sad news of the death of Honorable Stephen Ukpukpen, the lawmaker representing Obudu State Constituency in the House of Assembly.
Governor Ayade, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita said the sudden passing of Mr. Ukpukpen has left him in a state of shock and disbelief.
“I am completely numbed and bewildered that we have lost such a vibrant intellectual who as a lawmaker was deeply committed to the effort of our administration to build enduring legacies and bequeath a strong economy for our people,” the statement read.
The governor lamented that Ukpukpen died at a young age, especially when the state “needed his skills and expertise in the art of lawmaking.”
He commiserated with the lawmaker’s immediate family, the State House of Assembly, the people Of Obudu and the entire state over the his death.
Governor Ayade prayed God to grant his young family the strength to cope with the unfortunate and depressing occurrence.
Mr. Ukpukpen was Mr. Ayade’s representative in the House of Assembly.
CrossRiverWatch had reported earlier today that Mr. Ukpukpen was confirmed dead on arrival (DOA) at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) after he slumped during a routine exercise in the morning.
He was first rushed to the Bakor clinic along the Murtala Muhammed highway where he was then referred to UCTH.
Colleagues, friends, associates and many others have since taken to social media to express their shock over his demise and condole the family.
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