NAF, Mark mourn as ex-CAS Eduok dies at 74

By Bassey Anthony, Uyo and Sanni Onogu, AbujaAir Vice Marshall Nsikak Eduok (retd.), a former Chief of Air Staff (CAS) and one-time Aviation Minister in the government of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has died.Eduok died on Wednesday, January 6, after a long battle with kidney complications.He was 74.Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, announced Eduoks death in a statement on Thursday in Uyo, the state capital.It quoted medical doctors as saying the former CAS died of end-stage kidney failure.The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) on Thursday described Eduoks death as a monumental loss to the nation and the service.Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, announced Eduoks passing on behalf of officers, airmen/airwomen and civilian workers of the service.A statement by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said the former CAS died on January 6 at a hospital in Uyo.Read Also: Buhari, others mourn ex-Education Minister Dauda BirmaIt described the late CAS as a seasoned pilot who would be remembered for his forthrightness, integrity, dedication, simplicity and commitment to duty.The contributions of this confident, courageous and professional senior officer, even while in retirement, would be sorely missed, the statement added.His death is a monumental loss to the NAF family and indeed the entire nation. May God Almighty comfort the entire Eduok family and grant them the fortitude to bear this great loss, NAF said.Also, former Senate President David Mark described the late Eduok as one of the best and patriotic Air Force officers ever produced in the country.He said the late CAS would be sorely missed.In a statement in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, the ex-Senate President said: His death at this time is a big blow to the nation, especially in the battle against insecurity.Eduok was a fine officer and gentleman whose wealth of experience in security and intelligence management was needed to salvage the intractable challenges facing the nation.I recall the various radical innovations and transformation strategies he introduced into the Nigerian Air Force.Under his leadership, the NAF was rated foremost in Africa and made the institution a force to reckon with globally.In Eduok, the nation has lost one of her best and fertile minds in the Armed Forces. He demonstrated his loyalty to his fatherland. He was truly an officer and a gentleman.
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