By Mfonobong UKPONG
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barrister Onofiok Luke, has described a former member in the Second Assembly, Late. Mfon Okon Asuquo, who represented Mbo State Constituency, as a peace builder, community mobilizer, and great politician who contributed immensely to the development of his community and Oro nation as a whole.
Barrister Luke stated this In a tribute on Thursday during a valedictory session held by the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly in honour of the deceased former legislator who passed away at the age of 53.
Making reference to a bill sponsored by the former Assembly member in 2001 for the acknowledgement of Ibaka as a special development area and another bill sponsored by him which saw the recognition of Mbo local government area as an oil producing local government area in Akwa Ibom and another bill for the creation of more polling units in Mbo, Speaker Luke challenged politicians to always use their positions of responsibility for the service of humanity.
“Here lies the fundamental lesson for all of us that are serving today. Service must remain the central point of our politicking,” he admonished.
He urged members of the deceased family to take solace in God, adding that the departed former lawmaker left behind good legacies worthy of emulation.
The valedictory sitting was attended by both serving and former lawmakers.
Also paying tribute to the departed, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Princess Felicia Bassey, member representing Mbo State constituency, Samuel Ufuo, former Speakers of the House, Chief Bassey Essien and Chief Peter Linus Umoh, described the exit of Hon. Mfon Asuquo as a painful loss.
Chief Essien, who described the Late Asuquo as a bosom friend and an asset to his community, could not control his emotions as he shaded into tears while paying eulogy to his departed colleague.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the deceased, whose corpse was brought into the chamber of the House. It was followed by a prayer session which was led by the House Leader, Sir Udo Kierian.
Late Mfon Okon Asuquo was born on 4th February, 1964 into the family of Late Mr. Okon Robinson Asuquo Eyo-Epe Ubuotong Enwang and Mrs. Mary Okon Robin of Akai Atti Udesi, all in Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State. A graduate of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osusra where he obtained HND in Business Administration.
He was elected Councillor representing Enwang Urban ward 2 between 1996 to 1997. He was later appointed as Supervisory Councillor for Works and Transport in 1997, a position he served till 1998.
Same year, 1998, he got elected as Chapter Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Mbo local government area, and in 1999 he won election into the State House of Assembly as member representing Mbo state constituency between 1999 and 2003. He later emerged the Majority Whip in the second Assembly.
Left to mourn his demise are his wife, Mrs. Grace Mfon Asuquo, two sons, Goodnews, Abasifreke, a daughter, God’s favour and a host of others.
His remains will be laid to rest today, Friday 29th December, 2017 at his home town, Enwang in Mbo local government area after a funeral service to conducted by the Apostolic Church.
Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has closed plenary for the year. The House will resume for the new year on January 16th, 2018. The announcement was made during plenary on Thursday.
