By Akpan Udo-Inyang
CALABAR -Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams has been reported dead
His death was announced on Sunday morning by his brother, Nkang Williams, who said the commissioner passed away unexpectedly.
In an emotional tribute, Nkang described the loss as “devastating and difficult to accept recalling his brother as more than family, a companion, a voice of reason, and a source of strength.”
According to him “Can this be a dream? Somebody, please wake me up with better news,” stating “How can someone who was here with us suddenly become a memory? My heart is broken.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Bassey Otu, has mourned Williams, saying his death is irreparable.
Otu, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Linus Obogo, described the death as “a dark shadow of grief” over Cross River State, lamenting that the circumstances of Prince Williams’ departure had made the loss particularly painful.
He said, “His passing, so sudden and poignant, is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the solemnity of public service.”
The governor noted that Williams’ death was especially devastating because he had participated in the Ikom New Yam Festival barely a week earlier, when the governor visited his Ikom country home to celebrate the cherished cultural festival.
Otu said his final public engagement in such an atmosphere of cultural fellowship made his sudden departure “particularly depressing and heartbreaking.”
According to the governor, Williams brought “uncommon loyalty, courage and fidelity” to every assignment entrusted to him, first as a political leader and subsequently as a member of the State Executive Council.
He said his tenure as Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy reflected “the dedication, forthrightness and abiding commitment” with which the deceased approached public service.
Otu further recalled Williams’ leadership of the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy in Nigeria, saying his contributions to the power sector extended beyond Cross River.
“Prince Williams will be remembered for his dedication, forthrightness and abiding commitment to Cross River,” the Governor said, adding: “As a valued member of my administration and a brother in service, his footprints in governance, politics and public service will endure.”
Until his appointment as commissioner, he had served as Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State and was widely regarded as a committed political associate and public servant.