The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, buried his father, Elder Gabriel Nkanang, on Saturday, in a ceremony that attracted the who-is-who in Nigeria, to Awa, in Onna, the Governor’s home town.
However, the luxury that greeted Udom father’s burial ceremony has got many talking. From the beautiful casket, to the jaw-dropping grave; Nigerians have hailed Governor Udom for giving his father who was a Teacher, a befitting burial.
However, some people think otherwise. This group believes that the Governor ought to have organised a modest burial, while the remaining that the funds should have been used in empowering the poor.
Whichever way! A close look at Gabriel Nkanang’s grave shows the beautiful blue tiles used in building it. It measures about 4 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. The upper four walls have single-pointed lights each, which gives 24-hours illumination. Lastly, the grave has a customised top, which could be easily removed without much damage done on it.
Another aspect of the burial that caught the attention of the guests, was the unique entrance of the corpse.
The body of Udom’s father was conveyed to the burial ground, in a Luxurious Cadillac Escalade ambulance, which could cost over N1 million in rent. The ambulance was heavily protected by Securities, while over 20 other vehicles followed it.
The event united political foes, brought long time friends together, and sent a clear message that Udom Emmanuel commands great respect in Nigeria, and indeed the world.
The noted personalities were Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Nigeria; former Presidents, Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and his predecessor, Bukola Saraki; State Governors; Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Others were the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Vice Chairman of Exxon Mobil Nigeria, Mr. Udom Inoyo and wife; the three Senators from Akwa Ibom State.
Udom in a message posted on his Twitter page, thanked the past Presidents for gracing his father’s burial.
He wrote: “I richly appreciate the presence of our former Presidents, H. E,, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and G. E. Jonathan and his dear wife, today, at the funeral service in honour of my late father, Elder Gabriel Nkanang, at Awa Iman, Onna LGA, in Akwa Ibom State.”
