By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has described the death of the State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, as an “irreparable loss” to the government and people of the state.
Williams died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at a hospital in Abuja.
His death has thrown the state’s political and administrative circles into mourning.
Until his appointment as commissioner, Williams served as Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River.
He was widely regarded as a committed party leader and public servant.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, Otu said the 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.
He noted that the loss was particularly painful because Williams had attended the Ikom New Yam Festival with him barely a week earlier, where the governor also visited the commissioner’s country home in Ikom for the cultural celebration.
“That his last public engagement was in such an atmosphere of cultural fellowship makes his sudden departure particularly depressing and heartbreaking,” Otu said.
The governor described Williams as a leader who brought “uncommon loyalty, courage and fidelity” to every assignment, adding that the late commissioner’s tenure in the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy reflected “dedication, forthrightness and abiding commitment” to service.
Otu also recalled Williams’ role as Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria, saying his contributions to the power sector extended beyond Cross River.
“Williams will be remembered for his dedication, forthrightness and abiding commitment to Cross River,” the governor stated.
“As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his footprints in governance, politics and public service will endure,” Otu noted
The governor further extended condolences to the family, the Akparabong community, the people of Ikom, Williams’ political associates and colleagues.
He prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and to receive the soul of the late commissioner in eternal peace.
“May Almighty God grant us fortitude, receive his soul in eternal peace and comfort all who mourn this irreparable loss,” Otu said, describing Williams as a patriot whose memory “will remain indelibly etched in the story of Cross River’s public service.”
