Akaniyene Tommey, Frank Archibong, Aniekan Akpan mourn Obong Samuel Atang’s Demise

Akaniyene Tommey, Frank Archibong, Aniekan Akpan mourn Obong Samuel Atang’s Demis

The Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Akaniyene Tommey, Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong and former Executive Chairman of Eket, Rt. Hon. Chief Aniekan Akpan have expressed deep sadness over the demise of Obong Samuel Atang.

Obong Atang, a former Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area 1991-1993, who died on Friday, 21st August, 2026, after a brief illness, was described as a man of integrity and a committed voice for the development of Eket.

Leading a delegation on a condolence visit to the family, yesterday Monday, 24th August, 2026, at his country home, Ikot Udota, Eket, the Executive Chairman, said the passing of Obong Atang was a great loss to Eket Local Government given his record of commitment and leadership in Eket.

While praying that God should comfort the family, he assured them that the local government council will surely stand by them throughout this period of bereavement.

In the same vein, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Hon. Frank Archibong, said, it’s a solemn moment as far as this local government area is concerned.

“Obong Atang deserves to be respected. The visit is necessary for the one who signed his name in gold as far as Eket is concerned. Atang is a big name, a no-nonsense man”.

Archibong, while thanking the Executive Chairman for leading the condolence visit to the family, prayed for God’s consolation to the family and to fill the gap and void. “He didn’t just come, live, and depart. He came, saw, conquered, and carved his name in gold”, he added.

Equally paying tribute, Former Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government, Rt. Hon. Chief Aniekan Akpan, commended the leadership of Rt. Hon. Tommey, for the concern and care he gave Obong Atang while he was alive, describing it as a mark of honour and deserving tribute for his contributions to the development of Eket.

Akpan, said he was particularly saddened by his death, recalling that he started his political journey under the regime of Obong Atang, as an elected councillor, though the administration was short-lived due to the military junta.

He described him as someone who believed in and worked assiduously for what he stood for, his cause, and the interests of the people.

“Obong Atang was a rising star in the political sphere of this country. He would have gone very far, but the political dynamics swung in a different direction. He was a man of his word.Responding on behalf of the family, Mr. Edwin Atang, thanked Hon. Akaniyene Tommey, Hon. Frank Archibong, and Chief Aniekan Akpan, for the visit and words of assurance.

He said the visit confirmed what the father used to say about his well-being by the local government chairman and the prayers he kept praying for Eket.

Also thanking, Elder Nse Atang, appreciated the Council Chairman for his goodwill and welfare, noting that, “It is better to give someone a befitting living than a befitting burial.” I know the effort of the local government chairman towards my brother”

A minute of silence was observed in his honour.

The Chairman was also accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Inyang Akpawan, the Secretary of Council, Pst. John Odungide, Deputy Leader of Eket Legislative Assembly, Hon. Samuel Ima Ben and other Councillors, Dean of Supervisors, Idorenyin Akpabio, and other supervisors, Chapter Chairman of PDP, Hon. Uso Hanson, CoS to the Executive Chairman, Chief A. S. Idim, CoS to the Member Representing Eket State Constituency, Mr. Richard Ekanem, and many others.

© Joseph Ekong