Otu mourns as Cross River Power Commissioner dies

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has mourned the death of his Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, describing his sudden passing as an “irreparable loss” to the state and his administration.

Williams died at a hospital in Abuja on Saturday, barely a week after hosting the governor at his country home during the Ikom New Yam Festival.

Otu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, said the commissioner’s death had cast “a dark shadow of grief” over the state.

“His passing, so sudden and poignant, is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the solemnity of public service,” the governor said.

Otu said the death was particularly painful because Williams had participated in the Ikom New Yam Festival barely a week earlier, during which he hosted him at his country home in Ikom.

He said Williams’ final public engagement in an atmosphere of cultural fellowship made his sudden death “particularly depressing and heartbreaking.”

According to the governor, Williams brought “uncommon loyalty, courage and fidelity” to every assignment entrusted to him, first as Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State and later as a member of the State Executive Council.

Otu said the commissioner demonstrated dedication, forthrightness and commitment to public service in overseeing the state’s power and renewable energy portfolio.

He also recalled Williams’ leadership of the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria, noting that his contributions to the power sector extended beyond Cross River State.

“Prince Eka will be remembered for his dedication, forthrightness and abiding commitment to Cross River.

“As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his footprints in governance, politics and public service will endure,” Otu said.

The governor condoled with Williams’ family, the Akparabong community, people of Ikom, political associates and professional colleagues.

“May Almighty God grant us fortitude, receive his soul in eternal peace, and comfort all who mourn this irreparable loss,” he said.

Williams is the second commissioner in the Otu administration to die in office, following the death of the Commissioner for Tourism, Abubakar Ewa.

Until his death, Williams was responsible for driving the state government’s power and renewable energy programme.