by Cross River State Commissioner for International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong has described the death of the Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, Hon. Esther Bassey as a great loss, not only to the people of Calabar South, but the entire Cross River Southern Senatorial District and lovers of grassroots development in Nigeria.
Dr Asibong in a statement, said Mrs Bassey’s death came as a rude shock as they both recently discussed plans for the development of Calabar South and Cross River State.
The Commissioner said the late ‘Queen of South’, as was fondly called, was one of the very committed leaders of the All Progressives Congress and one of Governor Ben Ayade’s foot soldiers who contributed immensely to the progress and development of the State from the grassroot level.
According to Asibong, her sudden demise is indeed a painful one, but God in his infinite mercies has a reason to have called her.
“Esther was a core grassroots’ mobilizer whose love for peace and unity for Calabar South was admirable.
“As Chairperson of Calabar South Esther ran an open arm Administration. She was a friend to everyone who came and never despised anyone.
“It is sad that Esther Bassey left us less than about 24 hours before elections; a time when her political network and prowess was most needed.
“On behalf of my family, and the Cross River State MIDC, l send my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Calabar South Local Government Area over the fall of our great amazon” the statement added.
