A ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Mrs Esther Bassey, is dead.
An aide to the deceased, who spoke on the development, said the late chairman (fondly called Queen of the South) was hale and hearty last night.
“She showed no signs of exhaustion or sickness when she retired later in the evening.” the aide added.
The former council boss reportedly passed on in her sleep around 4am in Calabar.
Until her death, Bassey, was a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Cross River State Governor, Sen. Ben Ayade has described the sudden death of Calabar South Local Government Chairperson, Mrs. Esther Bassey as painful and devastating.
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 is 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,” Ayade expressed.
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, he prays God to “grant all of us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
