Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed fears that the sudden death of the Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, (rtd) may slow down the struggle for the total emancipation of the Niger Delta Region, stressing that, he was a strong voice of the region.
He made this assertion when he visited the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, at Government House Uyo, yesterday to commiserate with him over the death of Nkanga and the State chairman of PDP, Udo Ekpenyong. According to Wike, Nkanga’s death has created a deep void in the agitation for restructuring of Nigeria in line with the principle of true federalism. Wike, who described the death of the duo as painful, urged Udom and the people of Akwa Ibom State to take solace in God over the death of the two great sons of the state. In appreciation of Nkanga’s immense contribution to the Niger Delta struggle, Wike said his government would collaborate with Akwa Ibom to support his family and accord him a befitting funeral. He also lamented Ekpenyong’s abrupt death, who was recently elected Chairman of the party in the state.
Udom thanked Wike and the Rivers state delegation for standing by them in their moment of grief, noting that, the death of Nkanga, who was the Director General of his Divine Mandate Campaign organisation in 2015 and 2019 was emotionally devastating to him and the people of the state. Udom also noted that the state, within a couple of weeks, lost former Chief of Air Staff, Nsikak Eduok and former Commissioner for lands in the state Executive Council, Ime Ekpo, adding that he was pained that four very good people are to be buried within the same period.
