Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade has mourned the death of one time Military Administrator of Rivers state, Brigadier-General Anthony Ukpo (rtd).
General Ukpo who was also a former Minister of Information died on Monday after a brief illness..
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita, the governor described the General’s transition as a monumental loss to Cross River in particular and Nigeria in general.
Ayade who commiserated with General Ukpo’s family and the military, described the Late General as a well-known son, a fine and a gallant officer.
“As a state, we are pained by the loss of this thorough bred 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.”
The Cross River state governor recalled that the late General Ukpo was meticulous and dutiful in all the national assignments entrusted to him during his stay in the military.
“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 the Governor assured the Ukpo family of his prayer and thoughts to always be with them at this trying moment, he however prayed God to “grant all us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”