An All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholder from Obudu and public commentator, Linus Ibli, has appealed to political actors and members of the public to refrain from politicising the death of the Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams.
Ibli, in a statement, described the sudden death of the Commissioner as a painful loss to his family, friends, colleagues, the Government of Cross River State and the people of Cross River State.
He said the priority at a moment of grief should be compassion, sensitivity and respect for the family of the deceased, rather than political accusations and unsubstantiated claims.
According to him, death is a natural phenomenon that eventually comes to every human being, stressing that the death of a public servant should not automatically become an avenue for political accusations, insinuations or blame without credible evidence.
“Governor Bassey Edet Otu is the Governor of Cross River State, not a murderer, and there is absolutely no basis to suggest that the Governor is responsible for the death of his own Commissioner without credible evidence,” Ibli stated.
He maintained that anyone with concrete and verifiable information concerning the circumstances surrounding Williams’ death should present such evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to social media or political platforms to make serious allegations.
Ibli further urged members of the public to be mindful of the impact of their words on the bereaved family, noting that behind every headline is a grieving family mourning a husband, father, brother, relative and loved one.
“We must be careful with our words because behind every headline is a grieving family. Adding political controversy and unnecessary accusations to their pain at this difficult moment is insensitive,” he said.
The APC stakeholder also noted that Williams was not merely a Commissioner in the Otu administration but a committed member of the administration and a political associate who worked closely with the Governor.
He recalled Governor Otu’s condolence message, in which the Governor described the late Commissioner as a man who brought “uncommon loyalty, courage and fidelity” to his assignments, while also referring to him as a valued member of his administration and a brother in service.
According to Ibli, the Governor’s acknowledgement of Williams’ dedication and commitment to Cross River State, particularly in his capacity as Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, further demonstrates the working relationship that existed between the two men.
He therefore cautioned against attempts to create political tension between the Governor and the late Commissioner or to sow suspicion without established evidence.
Ibli urged political leaders, party members and the general public to allow the deceased to rest in peace and give his family the space and support needed to mourn their loss.
“Let us allow Prince Eka Williams to rest in peace. If there is evidence, let the appropriate authorities examine it. But until then, we should not turn grief into a political battlefield,” he appealed.
