By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The Deputy governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has condoled with Senator Gershom Bassey over the loss of his neice, late Gloria Ekaete Anaebonam (Nee Bassey).
In a condolence letter, Rt. Hon. Odey expressed his deepest condolences to the Senator on the unexpected and untimely loss of his beloved niece.
According to him, “the passing away of such a young soul, is a sorrow that defies explanation and leaves mankind with more questions”.
“Against this backdrop and with a heavy heart, Odey consoled Senator Gershom Bassey saying “In moments like these, words are clearly inadequate to express the depth of my sympathies and, despite having suffered a similar loss, I could never truly understand how deep the cut is for your family.”
“As you face this profound sense of loss and aching questions about the fairness of it all, may your family find solace in the knowledge that her time on earth, though brief, was a gift that touched the lives of those around her.”

He went further to pray for Senator Gershom Bassey and wished that he may find the strength to turn to the Almighty God for comfort and understanding.
He wished that the memories of his niece would provide him with some measure of comfort during this trying time.
“Let those memories serve as a reminder of the love and light that your niece brought into the world; a light that will continue to shine even in her absence”,
He advised that as mankind “grapples with the enigma of the transient nature of life, may we find the courage to trust in the divine plan that says we should accept what we cannot change. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this journey of grief and healing.”
Odey had joined the family in the memorial mass which took place on Friday, 21st September, 2023, at the Presbyterian Church, Wuse II.
The service was attended by some top ranking Cross Riverians, including the former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, Senator Eteng Jones Williams, Senator Jarigbe Agom, Senator Bassey Ewa, Barr. Nella Andem (SAN), and many other dignitaries and friends of the family to honour the departed soul,
Most Rev. Joseph Eton urged participants to think about eternity and ponder on what will happen to them at death.