The Chief of Staff to Cross River State Governor, Hon.Emmanuel Ironbar, has commiserated with a former member of House of Representatives, Rt Hon Essien Ayi over the demise of his son, Essien Ayi Jr, saying the state has lost a philanthropist and a humanitarian with great managerial and entrepreneurial skills.
Ironbar stated this when he visited the family house of the deceased in the Atimbo area of Calabar, the State Capital, where he registered his condolences.
While praying for a peaceful repose of the deceased, the Chief of Staff said, “On behalf of my family and staff of the Governor's office, I commiserate with you and your dear wife on the demise of your beloved son, Essien Ayi Jr, who died in a ghastly car accident in Abuja.
"For those who knew him very well, he was a young, hardworking and very enterprising individual who contributed immensely to the socio-political growth of the state. We will miss him greatly.”
While thanking the Chief of Staff for finding time to visit the family, the father of the deceased and 5-time member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Essien Ayi said his son was a great fan of Governor Bassey Otu.
"Times without number, he had told me that he would mobilise people not only to vote for the success of Governor Bassey Otu but also to attend his inauguration, which he did.
"My son attended the governor’s inauguration even when there was no flight to Calabar, he came through Uyo from Abuja to be part of the ceremony. Please help me to extend my sincere appreciation to his Excellency, the Governor" he said.
Meanwhile, Essien Ayi Jr has been buried in Calabar, at a special ceremony attended by his friends and associates, as well as family members within and outside Cross River State.
