Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state has lamented the death of Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa, the father of his Delta state counterpart, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, describing his demise as a sad loss that has created a void that will be difficult to fill.
Ayade in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, condoled with governor Okowa and the government and people of Delta over Sir Arthur’s death.
He said Sir Arthur Okowa was a devout Christian, a devoted father whose forthrightness and integrity during his life time paid off with his children becoming respectable members of the society.
“Losing a loved one could be emotionally excruciating especially when the deceased is a huge asset and repository of knowledge such as Sir Arthur Okowa’’.
“His death has indeed created a huge void which will be difficult to fill. Sir Okowa was forthright and exhibited a high sense of dexterity and integrity. As a devout Christian, he lived an examplenary and salutary life, no wonder he produced a son who is today a governor”, the Cross River state governor said.
Continuing, Ayade said, the government and people of Cross River are with Governor Okowa at this moment of grief.
“On behalf of the government and people of Cross River, I condole with His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Ekwueme Okowa over this irreparable loss.
“While praying for the peaceful repose of Sir Okowa’s soul, let me assure His Excellency that we have him, his family, the government and people of Delta state in our thoughts and prayers.”