The Akwa Ibom State Government has condemned the killing of former deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly and the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for the Ukanafun State Constituency in the forthcoming general elections, Okon Uwah.

The State Commissioner of Information and Communication Aniekan Umanah regretted that in spite of the peace accord for violence-free elections signed by political parties in the state, such violations occurred.

“The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio has learnt about the unfortunate incident that led to the death of Okon Uwah, one-time Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and APC candidate for the Ukanafun State Constituency in the forthcoming general elections,” said Umanah. “The Governor and indeed the State Government condemn in its entirety the dastardly, strange and cowardly occurrence. Government regrets that, in spite of the accord on peaceful and violence-free elections signed by political parties in the State; some miscreants have decided to trample upon the law. It bears stressing that, no person’s political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen.”

The former Deputy Speaker was killed in strange circumstances shortly after concluding a campaign tour of Ward Three in Ukanafun local government area in the state on Wednesday.

Umanah said the governor has directed a full-scale probe into the event to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. “Violence and political thuggery of any kind will not be tolerated in the state.”

He reassured citizens of the preparedness of the state government and security agencies to maintain law and order and protect the lives of citizens as well as ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections in Akwa Ibom State.

Umanah said the state governor commiserates with the bereaved family and assured them that the security agencies will unravel the cause of the tragedy and bring the culprits before the law.