By Stanley Ekpenyong (South south Bureau Chief)
Cross River has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Calabar South Local Government Area Chairperson, Mrs Esther Bassey.
She died in the wee hours of Friday, February 24, 2023.
However, there are conflicting accounts as to how she died. While one account claimed she died in her sleep at about 4am Friday morning hours after returning from series of political engagements about tomorrow’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, another has it that she attended an event Thursday at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar where she slumped after complaining of stomach ache and was rushed to a hospital where she later gave up the ghost.
Described as dedicated and passionate administrator and politician, the late council boss, fondly called Queen of the South by her admirers, was one of the young persons in the state Governor Ben Ayade propped into political and leadership positions.
Her election in June 2020 as Calabar South council boss excited not a few young people, especially women who hailed Ayade as gender and youth friendly governor.
Meanwhile, the governor has bemoaned Mrs Bassey’s death, saying he was shocked and devastated by the development.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Barrister Christian Ita, the governor bemoaned Mrs Bassey’s death saying her demise was shocking.
“It was with a rude shock and disbelief that I received news of Mrs Bassey’s sudden demise. Her death is a tragic and monumental loss to Cross River State. It is a painful loss.
“As a government, we are hurt by Mrs Bassey’s passing because she was not only a strong partner in building the Cross River State of our dream but an astute administrator who was also a Servant-Leader, who led from the front. Her giant strides as Calabar South local government chairperson bear testament to this,”the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Continuing, Ayade further noted that , “Esther was indeed the ‘Queen of the South’ as her admirers fondly called her. Her genial mien, her openness, her friendliness, her forthrightness and her integrity were the unassailable virtues that endeared her to all.
The governor lamented that “her death has robbed our great party, the All Progressive Congress, APC of a pillar, our government a loyal, dependable ally and Cross River state a hardworking and diligent daughter. Indeed, our dear sister was a rare gem.”
According to Ayade, though the state is saddened by Mrs Bassey’s death, “as a people of faith, we cannot question God. We can only pray for the peaceful repose of her soul.
“On behalf of the people and government of Cross River state, I condole with the Bassey family, her immediate community and the people of Calabar South”
While assuring the family that his prayer and thoughts are with them at this trying moment, the governor prayed God to “grant all us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
