The Akwa Ibom State governor has sympathized with Akwa Ibom people over the untimely demise of the pioneer speaker of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Chief Jimmy Jimmy Ntuen who died at the age of 58.

Chief Godswill Akpabio who paid condolence visit to the bereaved family on Tuesday at Ukana Odoro in Essien Udim Local Government Area described the deceased as a forthright politician, a witty man and a voice of the people. He further described the deceased as a political icon, great patriot, amiable and easy going person who served the state diligently in the House of Assembly, stating “Akwa Ibom has lost a rare gem and Essien Udim has lost a forthright politician. He will forever be missed.

The Governor who was accompanied by the state PDP Chairman, Prince Uwem Ita Etuk and secretary, Mr. Ibanga Akpabio, and a lawyer among others remarked that the deceased was an outstanding person who did not hide but stood out at every meeting and whose views at every decision making were respected. “We would miss him dearly at this time of political activism. It is a sad thing that he died now that his wealth of experience would have been needed most. He did his best while he was alive to leave behind a good name. He had a humble beginning and rose to the position of a speaker in the House of Assembly” Akpabio noted.

He urged the children to emulate the sterling qualities of their late father by being focused, advising them to shun cultism, bad company and not to be associated with friends who are kidnappers. “Your father lived a good life and died leaving a good name” he said.

Responding, Mrs. Comfort Jimmy Ntuen thanked the governor for the visit and assisting the family financially during the trying period, when the deceased had partial stroke and for finding time to see the family in this time of grief.