Ayade mourns Ada Bekwarra, says he was father to all
Cross River State Government has tasked the nation’s Armed Forces to improve on their intelligence architecture to end civil unrest in the country.
Governor Benedict Ayade, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, gave the charge during the Christian service to mark the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Week in Calabar.
Ayade wondered why the Nigerian military, in all its might, had ended insurgency, banditry and other vices in the country and enjoined the Armed Forces to deploy satellite and other relevant technology to restore law and order, peace and security in Nigeria and give the citizens peace.
He, however, commended the service chiefs for their tireless effort in trying to keep the country united and safe, adding that the yearly event had created an opportunity for the nation to remember and honour those who died in service, as well as cater for the families they have left behind.
Also speaking, Chairman of Nigerian Legion, Cross River State, Captain Joseph Offiong (rtd.) urged the government to continue using members of the legion, pointing out that, with their wealth of experience, ex-service men could still contribute to the success of military operation, especially in the area of information gathering and other important aspects.
MEANWHILE, Ayade has described the death of Ada Bekwarra, Chief Linus Emonshe Okom, as a monumental loss to the Bekwarra nation, Cross River North Senatorial District and the entire state.
Ayade stated this yesterday in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, adding that the late elder statesman was a father to all.
He described the late Okom, who was former Chairman, Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Federal College of Education, Obudu and Federal College of Education Technical, Omoku, Rivers State as “a patriotic, selfless and detribalised leader.”
Contuning, he said: “Okom brought stability to Bekwarra and Cross River North Senatorial District. The void left with the death of the inimitable elder statesman would be difficult to fill.”
“As we mourn the passage of this great statesman and role model, we are, however, consoled by the fact that he lived to old age. We pray God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family over the irreparable loss.”
