The Governor of Cross River State, Governor Ben Ayade has expressed his sadness over the death of Senator Rose Oko, who until her death, was the Senator representing Cross River North, in the Nigerian Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
Governor Ben Ayade in a statement released on his official social media page on Tuesday 24th March 2020, posted photos of the late Senator Rose Oko, with a caption that reads:
“Death has struck so grimly at the heart of Cross River State. Senator 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.
My heartfelt condolences go to Senator Oko’s immediate family, the people of Northern Cross River and Cross River as a whole. Let us bear with equanimity the tragic death of our beloved daughter, taking solace in the fact that her life was salutary and exemplary”, he said.
The Governor stating further, said:
“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.
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,” he added.