The Executive Chairman of Bekwarra Council, Hon (Dr) Josephat Emeka Owan has expressed shock at the demise of Ada Bekwarra, Chief Linus Okom, OON, KSM, KSGG, JPII.
In a release signed by the Chairman, and sighted by The Lumine News, he maintained that it is with a heavy heart to say how deeply grieved he was to hear of the death of Ada Bekwarra.
The release reads in parts “On behalf of Bekwarra Council, and my family, I wish to commiserate with the entire members of his family, and the good people of Bekwarra LGA over the passing of this humble, patriotic, amiable and notable leader.
“I would like to express my deep respect for the achievements of Chief Okom in the course of his long life as one of the principal actors in Nigeria’s pre-independence and post-independence politics.
“An octogenarian, he held various positions as Chairman, CR-North Political Caucus of the PDP, former Board Chairman, Federal College of Education, Obudu, and past Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) amongst others.
“He was a mentor and an inspiration to many, a pious Christian, a seasoned administrator, a wordsmith, an elder statesman so humorous, and the political leader of Modern Bekwarra who was highly thorough.
“Adah Bekwarra was a man of honour and an achiever. In all his assignments, he was exceptional, forthright, dedicated and showed great commitment in the discharge of his duties. He was a unifying force and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot easily be forgotten”
Dr. Emeka noted that in all situations, the late Chief Okom lived nobly and he died in nobility.
“Let us bear in mind that we all have the opportunity to act nobly in whatever position we find ourselves. He died at a time the country and its leadership is in dire need of such leadership, experience and wisdom to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the nation.
“I pray God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace..Amen!”