By Jonathan Ugbal and Maxwell Effiong
The sleepy but serene town of Bedia in Obudu, Cross River State bustled with activities on Sunday when the Governor, Benedict Ayade and former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Colonel Peter Asam Mbu (PAM) Ogar joined others to celebrate the most senior Army officer in northern Cross River, Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker (EAP Undiandeye).
Maj. Gen. Parker was elevated to his current rank in November 2020 and is widely remembered for his role at the United Nations where he, alongside several others in the Office of Military Affairs, wrote the second edition of the UN’s Infantry Battalion Manual.
And, while addressing friends, family and supporters who trooped out with him in thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish in Bedia, said “since I became a Lieutenant Colonel, I have always come back here for thanksgiving because each time I have done that, I have been promoted.”
He disclosed that this thanksgiving was special as it was for the restoration 9f his wife’s health and his promotion to the rank of Major General.
Mr. Ayade, represented by his Chief of Staff, Martin’s Orim, praised the Army General’s steadfastness and dedication to the job and charged others to emulate his strides.
For Colonel PAM Ogar (rtd) whom the General served as his Aide De Camp between 1996 and 1998, there was nothing that could make him miss the thanksgiving as the bond they shared was strong.
The event was a roll call of top personalities in the security sector such as retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Undie Aide and the Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Sikiru Akande.
The political sphere in northern Cross River was not left out as federal lawmaker, Legor Idagbo; former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Zana Akpagu; Commissioner for International Donor Cooperation, Inyang Asibong and other top government functionaries graced the occasion.
See pictures below…
