A former Military President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd.) has described a former military Governor of Akwa Ibom and chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) , Air Comm. Idongesit Nkanga (Rtd.) as one of the best military officers ever produced by the country.
Babangida who stated this in a condolence message he delivered at the burial of the late Nkanga at his village Ikot Nya in Nsit Ibom local council of Akwa Ibom on Saturday also eulogized the deceased for the roles he played in the creation and development of Akwa Ibom.
The former Military President who was represented by Air Commodore Anthony Etukudo said the deceased ex Military Governor was a disciplined officer, in and out of uniform and an administrator endowed with passion for hard work.
“He was my former student. One of the best military officers Nigeria has ever produced. Commander Presidential Fleet during my time, a very good administrator, endowed with passion for hard work. As a military governor of Akwa Ibom State, which I created in 1987, late Idongesit Nkanga came to the world as a uniform soldier, fought for the unity of Nigeria and its development.
“He retired from the military but still remained as a fighting soldier in mufti. He fought many bottles of life for the development and advancement of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. His legacies as military governor of Akwa Ibom State, are unquantifiable.
Nigeria will greatly miss his rare ingenuity. I thank Akwa Ibom State for having given Nigeria a genuis in the person of Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga. May his soul rest in peace.” He said.
In a message Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom who described Nkanga’s death as a colonial loss to his administration, Akwa Ibom, the Niger Delta and Nigeria added that he would miss his fatherly and professional advice in many aspects.
Emmanuel described Nkanga as a dependable and a passionate believer in the principle of right and wrong, loyal and disciplined and a man of character which shaped him for the numerous leadership positions he occupied.
” I find it difficult to address our elder statesman in past tense. Today instead of walking in long step with me as he always did since faith brought us together in a political journey several years ago I am here starring at the flag starred casket of our revered Otuekong.
“A man of Christian masculinity. The song is ended but the memory lingers on, the song may have ended today for you my brother, the song may have ended for you my DG, my friend, my confidant, the song may have ended for you Idongesit Akwa Ibom, ..but the memories of your faithful life linger on.” The Governor said.
Emmanuel said that amongst other things the former Governor would be remembered for many enduring legacies including the State Secretariat Complex and the first set of dual carriageways in Uyo while his dedication to the struggle for the practise of true federalism remained unrivalled.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa in a message said Nkanga remained one of the strongest voices in protecting the interest of the Niger Delta adding that the region has lost one of it’s biggest activists.
PANDEF in a message signed by it’s National Secretary said Nkanga was unwaveringly committed and dedicated to the founding ideals and objectives of the Forum adding that with his strict military background he excelled in all leadership positions including taking PANDEF to an enviable summit within a short period.
PANDEF leader Chief Edwin Clark represented by Senator Bassey Henshaw said Nkanga was a reliable comrade in the quest for the emancipation of the Niger Delta, a trustworthy and dependable allies in the leadership of the region while his death has created a big gap in the quest for a better deal for the area.
Also the Nigerian Airforce in a message said the deceased recorded many achievements while alive describing him as an astitute pilot and Patriot.
Nkanga, a recipient of the Officer of the Presidential National Honour, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) as well as the Service Awards of Passed Staff College (PSC) and Forces Service Staff(FSS) was the Commander of the Presidential Fleet during the administration of Babangida and later became the first indeginous Military Governor of Akwa Ibom.
Until his death in December last year of Coronavirus complications, Nkanga was the chairman of PANDEF and chairman of both Ibom Airport Development Company and Ibom Airlines Limited.
