President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Friday, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Bill establishing the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
He also lauded Governor Umo Eno for promptly releasing the Obio Akpa campus of the Akwa Ibom State University to ensure the smooth take-off of the institution.
Akpabio made these remarks at the funeral service in honour of the former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the late Hon (Elder) Imo Akpan Ibokette.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, ‘I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in this Senatorial District. Let me thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill which established the University. Let me also thank our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for releasing a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University for the commencement of academic activities this year.’
‘Late Ibokette, we are laying to rest today, was the first to call and thank me on hearing of the passage of the bill establishing the University. His death is a personal loss to me. The Ibokette family and I share an intimate affinity that spans decades. Even the weight of political differences did not attenuate the relationship we shared. So, I personally mourn his demise,’ he stated.
The funeral service in honour of the late lawmaker was held at the Abak International Nursery/Primary School in Abak Local Government Area and was conducted by the Apostolic Church Nigeria.
Akpabio described him as a patriot, a selfless leader, a loving father, and a hardworking personality who braved the odds to achieve what he did before his demise, saying, ‘He did his best and witnessed the uncommon transformation which he fought and worked for before his departure.’