Bassey Inuaeyen, a former candidate for governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, has passed away.
Mr. Inuaeyen, a native of the state’s Ini Local Government Area, served as the region’s political head until his death.
After a short illness, he passed away on June 30 in the United States of America. PREMIUM TIMES was unable to determine the deceased politician’s age.
The Ini Local Government Area’s Paramount Monarch, Udoette Edon, confirmed his death. The late politician bore the “Obong Iberedem” title and served on the Nkari Clan Council of Chiefs.
During a gathering of the group, Mr. Edon said, “On behalf of the Nkari Clan Council of Chiefs, I publicly announce the death of our renowned member of the council, the Obong Iberedem of Nkari Clan, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen.”
Mr. Edon praised the late politician as a “reputable community leader and a unifier who contributed enormously to the development” of the region.
On Monday, a portion of the meeting was shared on Facebook.
The passing of Mr. Inuaeyen was also verified by the chairman of the Ini Local Government Area, Israel Idiasim, to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.
Mr. Inaueyen was the chairman of Agritec Holdings Ltd and a real estate developer.
Speaking at the gathering of the Nkari Clan, Nyaudo Ndaeyo, vice chancellor of the University of Uyo, characterized the late politician as a philanthropist who used his scholarship programme to fund residents at a number of higher institutions both within and beyond the state.
Ibom Patriots, a sociopolitical organisation in the state, was led by Mr. Inaueyen as chancellor.
