The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, led dignitaries who paid their final respects to the late Abubakar Robert Ewa, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Boki on Saturday.
Ably represented by his Deputy, Governor Otu said that the passing of Hon. (Chief) Abubakar Robert Ewa, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Cross River State, was a colossal loss to the state and beyond.
He acknowledged his unwavering dedication to public service and described Abubakar Ewa as not just a towering political figure but a devoted servant of the people.
“Abubakar was more than a politician; he was the paramount ruler of Boki politics, a man whose life was dedicated to public service. His contributions to the state, particularly in tourism, arts, and culture, will never be forgotten,” Governor Otu remarked.
The Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, who represented the Governor, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the late commissioner’s impact on governance and development.
“The people-first administration and the entire Cross River State mourn his passing. As a former Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Abubakar worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of the Boki people, earning admiration and respect. We stand in solidarity with his family during this difficult time,” he said.
Senator Eteng Williams (Cross River Central district) also paid tribute, calling Abubakar Ewa’s passing a profound loss. He highlighted the late commissioner’s remarkable journey from being a councilor representing Buentsebe Ward to becoming a distinguished leader who embodied patriotism and service.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, noted that Abubakar’s passing while still in active service underscored his deep commitment to the state.
“While we mourn his demise, we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilling and impactful life. The legacies he left behind will continue to inspire generations to come,” he stated.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, reflected on the late commissioner’s life, urging others to draw lessons from his unwavering dedication to duty.
Similarly, Chief Victor Felix Idem, Chairman of the College of Commissioners, expressed grief over the void left in the State Executive Council following Abubakar’s passing.
“As commissioners, we have lost not just a colleague but a mentor and a man of integrity. His absence will be deeply felt,” he said.
The outpouring of tributes reflected the high regard in which Hon. Abubakar Robert Ewa was held, underscoring his lasting legacy in Cross River State.
Other dignitaries who paid tribute included Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme, Chief Judge of Cross River State; Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC; Hon. Victor Abang, Member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency; and Prof. Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, among others.
