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Simon Egbong A Lawmaker from Cross River State Is Dead

Cross River lawmaker, Simon Egbong, who represents Ikom II Constituency at the State House of Assembly, is reportedly dead.

The Cross River lawmaker who battled a protracted illness that has seen him travelling off-and-on India for treatment, died last night at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, who reacted to the death of Simon Egbong, in a statement released on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, described the death of the lawmaker as a “loss so painful to bear.”

“Hon. Nkoro’s demise leaves a sour taste in my mouth and ache in my heart. But then, we cannot question God. Him and only Him alone has prerogative over life.

“However, as a human, my heart is heavy, filled with sorrow. I agonise and mourn this death,” the statement quoted the governor.

While decrying that the late lawmaker “departed at a time his service to our dear state is most needed,” he described him as “a dedicated lawmaker, a consumate politician, a team player and loyal partyman, whose death is a huge loss to the people and government of Cross River state.”

The Governor who offered his heartfelt condolences to Nkoro’s family, colleagues and constituency, prayed God to grant them the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “we are together with you in prayers in this moment of unspeakable sadness.”

The late Mr Nkoro was a two term lawyer. It was also reported in May that a lawmaker, Stephen Ukpukpen, who represented Obodu State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, was dead. He was the Chairman, Public Accounts Committee of the assembly.

Ukpukpen was said to have gone for morning exercise walk this morning when he collapsed. An eyewitness said he was first taken to Bakor hospital and later to UCTH where he was confirmed dead.