By Jonathan Ugbal; Government House Correspondent
By Jonathan Ugbal
The remains of one time deputy governor of Cross River State, Walter Eneji has been interred at his hometown Abuochiche, Bekwarra local government area.
The burial which held at the Saint Christopher’s Primary School, Abuochiche forced economic and social activities in the council area to a stand still as family, colleagues, friends and well wishers came to bid the deceased farewell amongst whom where incumbent governor Ben Ayade, his deputy, Prof Ivara Esu, three former governors of the state, Clement Ebri, Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke as well as the immediate past deputy governor, Efiok Cobham.
In a condolence from Ayade to the wife of the deceased, Florence Eneji, the governor in an emotion laden voice said death has made a wrong choice by taking the deceased.
According to him, late Walter played defining roles in the growth and development of Cross River State.
The governor stressed Walter’s demise was painful to him, as he had lost one of the most experienced technocrats and thorough bred administrator the state has ever produced, adding that “Shame to death, you too shall die.”
“His wisdom and great wealth of experience would definitely have impacted positively on the administrative machinery of our dear state. The state and the Nigerian nation will certainly miss him.
“He was indeed a man of integrity, hard work and dedication. As a loving husband and father with whom you shared the vicissitudes of life for many decades, his transition has no doubt robbed you and the family of his wise counsel, dependable company and a symbol of family cohesion.” he said.
Condolences were sent by Ebri, whom Eneji served as Director General of the defunct Cross River State Housing Corporation, and Duke whom he worked with as director general when the former was Commissioner for Finance and later as Secretary to the State Government before being his deputy governor.
Imoke described him as “truly patriotic, resourceful and committed public servant who gave his all in the service of his fatherland” adding that, “In his quest to serve his people, he was appointed and further elected the deputy governor of Cross River State in 2003. He made significant contributions in the political sector in his time.”
At the service, were serving and former members of the State and National Assemblies and his colleagues in service and elder statesmen.
Aged 68, he left behind a widow, four children and a host of relations.
