Orok Duke Pays Tribute to Late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem, Describes Him as a Grassroots Pillar

Ukorebi Esien

The Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. (Otuekong) Orok Otu Duke, has paid glowing tribute to the late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem, popularly known as Wakilo, who passed away on June 20, 2025, at the age of 60.

Speaking shortly after the funeral held in Calabar South, Rt. Hon. Duke described the deceased as “a true grassroots mobilizer, a pillar of Ward 4 politics in Calabar South, and a loyal ally whose contributions remain etched in the political history of Calabar South and Cross River State at large.”

Late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem, until his demise, was a former Councillor for Ward 4 in Calabar South and served as Supervisory Councillor for Budget and Planning between 2003 and 2007. He also held several political positions, including Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Board Member of Forestry, and Coordinator of “YES AYADE” Political Movement. He later became the Director-General of the People Liberation Alliance (PLA), a political platform that gave voice to the grassroots.

Rt. Hon. Duke, recalling their political partnership, said:

“He was the APC Ward 4 Elections Coordinator, while I served as the Calabar South Local Government Coordinator, and together we delivered the highest votes in the 2023 elections. He was a dependable partner, disciplined leader, and a community man to the core. His loss is a painful one, not only to his family but to all of us who worked closely with him.”

The NDDC Commissioner further pledged to stand by the family of the deceased, assuring them of continued support in the education and welfare of the underaged children he left behind.

The funeral was attended by political leaders, family members, friends, and associates, all of whom described Wakilo as a man of many parts — a sportsman, politician, family man, and problem solver, whose humility and service to humanity will be deeply missed.

Late Hon. Asuquo Ekeng William Andem is survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Asuquo Ekeng, two sons, a stepson, brothers, sisters, cousins, and extended family members.

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