File: a special session held for Don Etiebet by Akwa Ibom cabinet

Emmanuel stated in a tribute to Etiebet whose remains were interred at his family compound in Oruk Ana, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the State on Friday.

He described the deceased as a detribalised Nigerian while alive and during his tenure as governor of the state.

“Donald Etiebet was a symbol of unity in Akwa Ibom State. As we mourn his demise, as we have lost this inestimable jewel, weep not for his Excellency for he has ended his race.

“Weep for yourself, follow his footprints and legacies that he left behind”, Emmanuel said.

He said the late Etiebet left an indelible mark in the sands of time, adding that the children and all people of Akwa Ibom indigenes should emulate it.

He said that the death of Etiebet had brought the two sister states (Cross River and Akwa Ibom) together and rekindled the bond of unity.

The younger brother of the deceased, Chief Don Etiebet, former Minister of Petroleum, described his late brother as a great and straightforward, hardworking politician of high integrity.

He said that his late elder brother was loving and caring.

“I will miss him greatly because it is rare to see such symbolic relationship in brothers, even in twins, in this world.”

The eldest son of the deceased, Mr Aniekan Etiebet, said his late father was a loving, honest and disciplined man.

Late Don Etiebet

He said since the demise of his mother, the late father devoted all his time and energy to caring for him and his siblings.

“My Chief, you were not just a father to me but a counsellor, a confident, a mentor and a good friend and indeed the best father anyone would wish to have”, he said.

Dignitaries at the funeral included former Gov. Victor Attah of Akwa Ibom, former Gov. Donald Duke of Cross River and Mr Nisma Ekere, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom.

Others were Prof. Ivara Esu, Deputy Governor of Cross River, retired Col. Yakubu Bako former Military Administrator of Akwa Ibom, and Mr Ray Ekpu, former Editor in Chief of Newswatch magazine among others.

Etiebet died on July 21 2015.