Otu pledges support for late Cross River commissioner’s burial

The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has pledged the full support of his administration towards the burial of the late Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams.

Otu made the commitment when the remains of the late commissioner arrived at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, where government officials received them on his behalf.

Otu was represented on Friday at the solemn reception by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other government officials.

Ayambem, speaking on behalf of the governor, described Williams’ death as a painful loss to the state, saying his passing had created a void in the administration he served.

The Speaker said Williams had travelled to Abuja in the course of his official duties in pursuit of matters concerning the development of Cross River State but unfortunately did not return alive.

He urged Cross Riverians to use the tragedy as an opportunity to reflect on life and reconcile with people with whom they might have unresolved differences.

“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 the governor’s condolences to the deceased’s family and assured them that the state government would not leave them to shoulder the burial responsibilities alone.

He said the Otu administration would take responsibility for the burial arrangements from the commencement of the process until the final interment, while respecting the wishes of the 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,” Ayambem stated.

He prayed for strength and comfort for the family and urged them to draw solace from their faith and the contributions Williams made to the development of the state.

“Welcome back home, our dear brother. Adieu, Prince Eka Williams, then Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy,” he added.

The remains of the late commissioner were subsequently deposited at the Navy Reference Hospital morgue in Calabar, pending the announcement of burial arrangements by the family.