The atmosphere at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, turned deeply sorrowful on Friday as the Cross River State Government received the remains of its late Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, who died while on official duty in Abuja.
Leading government officials at the solemn reception was the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, who represented Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. He was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials who gathered to mourn the late Commissioner.
Representing the Governor Bassey Otu, Ayambem described the death of Williams as a painful loss to Cross River, saying his passing had plunged the State into deep grief and left a void in the administration he served.
Ayambem said the late Commissioner had travelled to Abuja in pursuit of official responsibilities connected with the development of Cross River, but sadly did not return alive, leaving behind a painful reminder of the unpredictability and brevity of life.
He urged Cross Riverians to draw a sobering lesson from the tragedy by reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and making peace with one another 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,” he said.
The Speaker, on behalf of Governor Otu and the State Government, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and assured them that they would not be left to bear the burden of mourning and burial alone.
He said the Otu administration would assume responsibility for the burial arrangements from the beginning of the process through to the final interment, while respecting and supporting whatever decisions the family takes.
“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 prayed for God to grant the bereaved family the strength and comfort to endure the painful loss, urging them to find solace in their faith and in the memories of the life the late Commissioner lived in service to the State.
“Welcome back home, our dear brother. Adieu, Prince Eka Williams, then Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy,” he said in a solemn tone.
The remains have been deposited at the Navy Reference Hospital morgue in Calabar, pending burial arrangements to be announced by the deceased’s family.
By Daniel Bebia and Ekane-Faith Usang
