By CrossRiverWatch Admin
Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade has lamented the death of one – time Military Administrator of the old Rivers State (now Rivers and Bayelsa States), Brigadier General Anthony Ukpo (rtd).
General Ukpo who was also a former Minister of Information died on Monday, days after his sister passed away in the United States.
And, Ayade in a statement signed by his spokesman, Christian Ita said the General’s transition is a tragic and mounememtal loss to Cross River in particular and Nigeria in general.
“An illustrous son, a fine and gallant officer has left us,” the statement read, adding that: “As a State, we are pained by the loss of this thoroughbred officer, an illustrous son of Cross River.
“General Ukpo’s death has robbed our dear State of his wise counsel. He was forthright and a partner in building a Cross River of our dream.”
Mr. Ayade recalled that the late General applied himself diligently and dutifully to all the national assignments enthrusted to him to the applause of his superiors.
“As a military officer, General Ukpo had a distinguished career, as a Military Administrator he excelled beyond expectations and as a Minister he showed passion and professionalism. He left these offices without blemish. He was a rare gem.
“We are indeed hurt by his demise, we are pained that General Ukpo had to leave us at this time but as a people of faith, we cannot question God. We can only pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.
“On behalf of the people and government of Cross River state, I condole with General Ukpo’s family, his immediate community, Okpoma and the Nigerian Army.“
While assuring the Ukpo family that his prayer and thoughts are with them at this trying moment, the governor prayed God to “grant all us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
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