Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has held a valedictory sitting in honour of a former Member of the House, Late. Hon. Pastor Engr Akanimo Edet.
Hon. Akanimo Edet, passed on at the age of 63.
Engr. Edet represented Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency from 2007-2011 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Before his election into the State Assembly, he served as Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Etim Ekpo.
Also, Engr. Edet has served as elected council Chairman.
Until his demise, he was a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
However, serving and former lawmakers who took turns to eulogize the life and times of their departed colleague, received his corpse at plenary on Thursday.
In his remarks Speaker of the House, Rt Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, who spoke glowingly of his life journey.
He highlighted his achievements and prayed that the soul of the late Engr. Akanimo Edet, finds repose in the bossom of the Lord.
Thus he spoke: “Sad as it is that we are today receiving the remains of our departed brother and colleague, the late Rt. Hon. Pastor (Engr) Akanimo Edet.”
“I wish to stress that this unfortunate occurrence must not allowed to strike fear in us.”
“We should hold our heads high, use the opportunity to celebrate, appreciate unique life and times of this great Legislator.
“Because of his prowess in many areas, he was nicknamed: Commander.”
“Indeed as a politician of repute his legacies are truly enduring,” he said.
Furthermore, “as we all know he started his political journey as a Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
As a mark of his resourcefulness, he served as the Acting Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government in 1995.
In 1996 he became the substantive Chairman when Etim Ekpo and Ika were together as a single LGA.
In 2007 Commander Edet was unanimously elected to represent Etim Ekpo and Ika in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly where he also proved himself a man with the Midas’s touch”.
“What a trajectory of a true Commander! So is the man that we are honouring at this gathering today.
Therefore, Let us note also that Engr Edet was not only a Commander in the material sense, but as a Pastor he equally commanded the army of the Lord.
He therefore lived a full life in service to God and humanity, and gave his utmost in his lifetime”.
“This is why we must all be consoled, though we understandably mourn this irreparable loss.
“As a Legislature, Hon. Edet was our Pathfinder and shining light.
Thereby, it behooves us to advance and emulate his worthy examples,” the speaker concluded.
Press Unit Office of the Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly reported that the pioneer Speaker of the 1st Assembly, Rt Hon. Barr Nse Ekanem, former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Uwem Udoma, member representing Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency, Rt Hon. (Elder) Mfon Idung, paid their tributes.
Leader, Congress of former legislators, Hon. Saturday Akpan, and the National Assembly Member representing Eket Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ekong Sampson, described the late Akanimo Edet as a politician of repute.
They further described him as a great Community leader, a mobilizer, a cerebral lawmaker who contributed immensely in enriching legislative business during the 4th Assembly.
Therefore, they prayed God to console his family, Community, Etim Ekpo LGA, friends, and associates over the loss.
