Cross River tourism commissioner dies after attending exco meeting

Robert Ewa, commissioner for tourism, arts and culture in Cross River, is dead.

Nsa Gill, chief press secretary to Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River, confirmed the death to TheCable on Thursday.

Gill said the deceased passed away at a medical facility in Calabar.

The spokesperson said the late commissioner attended the state’s executive council meeting on Wednesday.

He added that Ewa made contributions during the meeting but subsequently excused himself.

“Ewa died yesterday, he was present at the state executive council meeting, he even contributed during the presentation,” the spokesperson said.

“A few minutes later, he excused himself and I think his driver drove him to the clinic. So we never knew that he went to a hospital. So it was in the hospital that he went to, that news came back to the governor that he had died.

“The governor received the news with shock, but a press release will be issued later.”

Before his death, Ewa served as secretary and later, chairman of Boki LGA. He also served as special adviser on community relations and secretary of the anti-deforestation task force.