Torrents of condolence messages have been sent to the Chancellor of Ibom Patriots, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen, following the demise of his mother-in-law, Madam Caroline Amuliwu-Aku Onike.
The late Onike, of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, passed away at the age of 86.
Commiserating Obong Inuaeyen and the deceased family, the deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo, in his condolence message made available to Crystal Express, urged Inuaeyen to be consoled that his “departed mother-in-law lived a life worthy of emulation.”
The deputy governor added that though the demise “leaves a yawning vacuum in the lives of all who benefited from her remarkable life”, the bereaved family should be consoled because she “has ultimately returned to be with her Lord and creator until the resurrection morning.”
A former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Idris Wada, expressed heartfelt condolences of his family to Inuaeyen and his family on the passage.
“My family and I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to you and all your family on her passing. May Ma’ama’s gentle soul rest in perfect eternal peace, Amen. May God Almighty grant you, your dear wife and the rest of your family the fortitude to bear this heavy and sad loss,” the former governor said.
On his part, senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District Obong Bassey Albert (OBA), consoled the deceased family and Inuaeyen, urging them to be comforted because she lived a fulfilled life.
“As a virtuous woman while alive, her exit will surely create a vacuum. I wish therefore to console you and the entire family, urging you to find inspiration and solace in her well fulfilled life”, Senator Albert said, adding “May the soul of your matriarch rest in peace, Amen”.
Senator Christopher Ekpenyong, who represents Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, stated that though he was not opportuned to meet the deceased while alive, available information reveals that she was “extremely kind, affectionate and accessible.”
“On behalf of my family, friends and the good people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, kindly accept my heartfelt sympathy”, Ekpenyong declared.
The member representing Ini State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, in his condolence message prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and for God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Part of his message reads: “Though death is inevitable for all mortals, the loss of a dear one is always a very painful experience. I admonish you, therefore, to look beyond this sad exit and be consoled by her impact on the family and community at large.”
Hon. Israel Idaisin, chairman, Ini Local Government Area, on behalf of his family and Ini people conveyed “deepest condolences” and wished Inuaeyen the strength to overcome the sadness and pain.
The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Mines and Steel Development in a condolence message signed by the permanent secretary, Edet Sunday Akpan, called on Obong Inuaeyen to “take solace in the fact that she left a good legacy through her exemplary life as a devout Christian, renowned community leader who also contributed immensely towards the progress of her people and beyond.”
The Supreme Council of Ibibio Traditional Rulers, Ifim Ibom Ibibio, headed by His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, also commiserated with Inuaeyen and family, saying the demise came as a shock.
“In conveying my heartfelt condolences, I wish to counsel you and the entire family to emulate and sustain those moral values and mannerism she lived and cultivated amongst you all,” Oku Ibom Ibibio stated.
Members of Ibom Patriots, a socio-political group headed by Obong Bassey Inuaeyen, on their part revealed that they “are quite saddened to receive the news of the demise.”
In their condolence message signed by the group’s secretary general, Rt. Hon. Barr Usenobong Akpabio, Ibom Patriots extolled the moral and godly virtues of the departed and prayed for God’s solace upon the family.
St. Peter Quasi Parish, Ifa-Nkari, Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, amongst others, equally sent a condolence message to Obong Inuaeyen and family.
