Gov Otu, Deputy, Sen Ekpenyong, Ita - Giwa, others condoles with Bakassi Council chairman over loss of father

 Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has expressed deep condolences to Bakassi Local Government Council chairman, Hon Effiong Etim Okon over the passing of his father, Late Chief Etim Okon Esukwa.

Senator Florence Ita - Giwa left, Commissioner for Establishment, Mrs Lawrentia Ita (m) and former chairman of Bakassi Local Government Council at the church service

By Solomon Azu, Calabar

Hon Okon lost his father, Chief Etim Okon Esukwa after a protracted illness in August, 2025 at the age of 86.

The chairman of Bakassi LGC, Hon Effiong Okon and wife

In his condolence message at the funeral service held in honour of the decease on Friday at The Apostolic Church, Ikot Nakanda, Akpabuyo Field Headquarters, the governor described the death of Chief Esukwa as a profound loss that resonate beyond his immediate family to the entire Nigerian political arena and the nation at large.

Governor Otu represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba urged the council chairman to take solace in the indelible mark he left on the sands of time adding that "His remarkable qualities and achievements will forever be etched in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him and his selfless contributions to his family and humanity will shine brightly, as a lasting testament to his extraordinary life.

In his condolence message, the state deputy governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey described the deceased as a man who lived a full and impactful life, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, resilience, and service to his family and community. He prayed God almighty to grant him and the deceased family the divine fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Senator representing Cross River South, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and the Political Leader of Bakassi Local Government Area, Senator Florence Ita - Giwa said the life of Late Chief Etim Esukwa was marked with dignity, wisdom and devoted service to his family and community, adding that the values he upheld and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know him.

In his message of condolence, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar praised the late Chief Etim Okon Esukwa as a devout christian and respected community figure whose values continue to manifest in Hon Effiong Etim Okon's dedicated service to Bakassi Local Government Area.

“Chief Esukwa was a most committed family patriarch who endeared himself to many with his devotion to christian values and community service. His greatest legacy lies in the exemplary leadership qualities he instilled in Hon Effiong Okon,” Dr Ironbar observed.

In a sermon at the funeral service, the Field Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Ikot Nakanda, Akpabuyo Field Headquarters, Apostle Dr Eta Edet who described the deceased as a good man who left an indelible legacy and inheritance for his children, said

his fatherly advice and prayers were instrumental in shaping Hon Okon's character and leadership qualities.

The clergy acknowledged the particular challenge of losing parents while serving in high public office, expressing confidence that the Council chairman would draw strength from his fathers’ legacy.

He praised Governor Bassey Otu for his development strides across the state and for ensuring that peace return to the state, particularly Bakassi and Akpabuyo local government areas that were hitherto a fotress of kidnappers and armed robbers, adding that the people of the area can now sleep with their two eyes closed.

The funeral service was attended by the Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon (Dr) Peter Odey, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Emmanuel Ironbar, Senator Florence Ita - Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Barr Ekpenyong Akiba, present and past local government council chairmen, members of the State Executive Council, politicians traditional rulers and members of the organised private sector, friends and well wishers.

In his tribute, the chairman of Bakassi Local Government Council, Hon Effiong Etim Okon described his father as a man of unparalleled Integrity who believed in doing the right thing, even when it was hard or unpopular. "His honesty and strong moral compass were clear in everything he did, from his career to his relationships with family and friends. He taught me that integrity isn’t just about honesty, it’s about being true to yourself and your beliefs".