Etang Umoyo, senator who represented Akwa Ibom South District during aborted Third Republic in Nigeria, has died at 71.
The former lawmaker, who was said to be ill for some time, died on Saturday February 13, as announced by his family on Monday, February 15.
He was a foundation member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2017 in his Etebi Ward 7, Esit Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Umoyo back then said he was leaving the PDP because “a group of mafians” had taken over PDP in Akwa Ibom State during 2014 PDP governorship primaries in the state.
The former senator later returned to PDP in 2018, claiming he was doing so in order to help Governor Udom Emmanuel win a second term.
On his return to PDP, Umoyo expressed;
Although I did not subscribe to the process that produced Mr Udom Emmanuel as the governor, I accorded him the necessary respect and recognition as the father of all of us. So far, Governor Emmanuel – from my assessment and consensus opinion in Akwa Ibom and beyond – is doing well and, therefore, deserves my support for a second term.
He added;
I have seen sincere commitment on the part of the governor to leave Akwa Ibom better than he met it. The provision of basic infrastructure, aggressive pursuit of his policies, and strategic intervention in critical areas of need; particularly in power infrastructure, health and educational facilities, Emmanuel has reinforced and fulfilled the intention of government, which is the welfare of the people.
May his soul rest in peace.
