JOE EFFIONG, UYO
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom state, Obong Bassey Albert (OBA), has lamented that  he has  suddenly  inherited  12 additional children arising  from the death  of his brother and two of his aides, ante–penultimate week.
The trio,  the OBA campaign’s group’s chief of protocol, Imo Isang and escort commander, Inspector Linus Odey were murdered in Imo state by suspected IPOB members; while Robert Albert, younger brother to Senator Bassey Albert, died of kidney complications, all within 24 hours.
Sen Akpan who spoke at the service of songs organised  in hour the three departed persons
at the OBA Recreational Centre, Uyo, said they were very close to him and it would be difficult to go on without them.
“Imo left behind four children, Robert left behind four children, and Odey left behind four children. I have now added twelve children to my family”, he said, promising that he will not leave any of them behind.
He however thanked God for his life as He made it possible for him to survive the shock.
 “That I am alive today in itself is a testimony. My blood pressure rose to 286 over 140  when I got the news. But now, I thank God, we are stronger than we were last week”, he said.
OBA thanked his party and the people for standing by him in his moment of trial, assuring that salvation will come to Akwa Ibom from May 29, 2023.
Mr Atai Albert, who spoke on behalf of the Albert Akpan’s family, paid glowing tributes to the three departed souls, whom he said he had personal and close relationships.
He described them as “fantastic” persons and prayed God to grant their souls repose.
Apostle Nyeneime Andy, who is also the state chairman of YPP,  read from 1 Thessalonians 4:13,15,18 urged all to have hope even in death, and prayed  God for comfort.
He offered special prayers to  Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, leaders and members of the campaign council, the families of the deceased.
“When I heard of their departure, I said they have finished their works on earth. If it wasn’t time,  God would not have allowed it to happen. But as we pray, we shall not have any experience of death among us”, the cleric asserted.
Prophet David Udo Udo, General Overseer of the Apostolic Mount Olive Church, while praying, said that no temptation will stop God from fulfilling His purpose in the life of  Senator Bassey Albert.
“Pilate wrote on Jesus’ cross that He was the King of the Jews, and though the enemies tried to  have the tag removed, what was written, was written. What ever they try to do, what was written about Senator Bassey Albert must stand. Nobody can delete what was written about him”, he said.
Apostle OtoAbasi Effiong, General Overseer of FULGA, led in prayers against death of members of the campaign organization, while Rev. Felix Abia, General Overseer, Shelter of Grace Arena, led in prayer against violence and attacks during and after the campaigns. Pastor Nnamdi Ikemba and Prophet Eno Etido  prayed for God’s sovereignty over campaign of the Akwa Ubok Abasi and all members.
In his condolence message, the chairman of the Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Council, Mr Emem Akpabio,  said the past one week was a traumatic one, especially in the life of Senator Bassey Albert who was deeply shocked by the death of the those departed, and assured all that there will be victory at last.
“I want to assure you that the struggles our heroes died for will not be in vain. We have overcome. Come May 29, 2023, the struggles of all of you will not be in vain. We will be victorious, and OBA will emerge the next Governor”, he stated.
 Akpabio assured all that though faced with such tribulation, the victory of the YPP will heal the wounds of losing the “three departed heroes”.
Similarly, the Director-General, Pastor Sunny Ibuot, admonished all to look up to God for help, since He remains the only one to help in times of distress.
He then prayed God to bless those who found time to be at the assembly to honour the departed.
The national financial secretary of the YPP, Ahmed Azeez, in his condolence message, said the news of the deaths was received with shock by all in the party.
He urged the families of the departed to take solace in the fact that there will be victory at the end.