Governor Ben Ayade of
Cross River state has described the
death of Dr. Rose Oko, the senator representing Cross River North as a big loss
to the state.
“Death has struck so grimly at the heart
of Cross River State. Rose Oko was not only a senator representing Cross River
Northern Senatorial District but was also a good ambassador of the state in the
senate’’, Ayade lamented in a statement signed by Mr. Christian Ita, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
“Rose was no ordinary daughter of this state. She was a dogged fighter for
anything that could bring honour and dignity to our state. She was an Amazon
for justice and fair play. She was a development partner. She loved Cross
River.
“Right from her days as a lecturer,
Commissioner, House of Reps member and finally Senator, Rose’s single creed was
the development and stability of Cross River State. We have lost a rare gem.
Rose is irreplaceable,” the statement said.
Continuing, Governor Ayade rued: “Rose’s transition is a personal tragedy to me for she was more than a
political affiliate. I’m downcast. I’m crestfallen. My heart is heavy. I lack
words to describe the extent of my grief.
“She was an elder sister and a
staunch ally who took over from me as senator representing Cross River North.
Rose was always there to offer pep words of advice and encouragement. I will
miss her so dearly,” Ayade further said in the statement.
While praying for the repose of Senator
Oko’s soul, the governor urged her immediate family to take solace in the fact
that the deceased lived an exemplary life.