The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Eka William, has died suddenly in Abuja.
William reportedly died on Saturday night at a hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, with details surrounding his death yet to be disclosed.
His brother, Nkang William, announced the commissioner’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, expressing shock and disbelief over the sudden loss.
Nkang, who did not disclose the cause of death, described the deceased not merely as a sibling but as a companion and an important member of the family.
He said the commissioner’s death had created a void that words could hardly capture, adding that the family would continue to celebrate his life and the impact he made on those around him.
“Your name will not simply be remembered because you died; you will be remembered because you lived, and your life mattered,” he said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.
The sudden death has triggered an outpouring of grief among friends, associates and political colleagues, many of whom expressed disbelief over the news.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan-Enoh, described William’s death as “heartbreaking.”
Gabriel said Ikom, the deceased’s hometown, had lost “a dedicated public servant and a good man,” noting that his life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
Also reacting, Pius Osang, a former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, expressed disbelief over the commissioner’s sudden demise.
“I don’t understand. I was with him on Tuesday; I slept in his hotel,” Osang said, reflecting the shock that greeted the news of William’s death.
The Director-General of Neighbour2Neighbour (N2N), Dr Bobby Ekpenyong, also described the commissioner’s death as shocking and sudden.
“We in the N2N community are shocked over the sudden death of one of us, Dr Eka Williams. We were with him on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at his hotel in Ikom,” Ekpenyong said.
He recalled that William had attended the N2N inauguration of ward and polling-unit coordinators in Ikom, where he pledged to support the group’s political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“He even promised to work with the group to ensure total delivery of Tinubu and Otu in 2027. We will miss him sorely,” Ekpenyong said.
William’s death comes as a major loss to the Cross River State Government, his political associates and the communities where he had served, with tributes continuing to pour in following news of his sudden demise.
