The Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, on Friday received the remains of the late Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, assuring the bereaved family of the full support of the State Government throughout the burial process.
The Governor was represented at the solemn reception by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, who joined the Secretary to the State Government, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other government officials to receive the remains and pay their respects to the late Commissioner.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Otu, Ayambem described the death of Williams as a painful loss to Cross River State, saying his passing had left a void in the administration he served and plunged the State into mourning.
The Speaker noted that the late Commissioner had travelled to Abuja in the course of his official responsibilities in pursuit of matters connected with the development of the State, but sadly did not return alive.
He said the circumstances surrounding his death offered a painful reminder of the brevity and unpredictability of life, urging Cross Riverians to reflect on their relationships with one another and make peace while they still have the opportunity.
“This is a moment for sober reflection. It is a moment to look inwardly and think of the next person you are not in talking terms with, because nobody knows whom these cruel hands of death can be upon,” Ayambem said.
The Speaker conveyed Governor Otu’s heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Commissioner, assuring them that the State Government would stand firmly with them and would not leave them to shoulder the responsibilities of the burial alone.
According to him, the Otu administration would take responsibility for the burial arrangements from the commencement of the process through to the final interment, while respecting and supporting the decisions of the bereaved family.
“Cross River State, in totality, is in sync with whatever decision the family is taking. This administration will take care of whatever burial process it will require, from the beginning to the interment,” he said.
Ayambem also prayed God to grant the family the strength and comfort to bear the painful loss, urging them to find solace in their faith and in the memories of the late Commissioner’s contributions to the State.
“Welcome back home, our dear brother. Adieu, Prince Eka Williams, then Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy,” he said solemnly.
The remains of the late Commissioner were thereafter deposited at the Navy Reference Hospital morgue in Calabar, pending the announcement of burial arrangements by the family.
About The Author
