Cross River Governor Condemns Attack on Peter Obi’s Convoy

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has issued a formal condemnation following an attack on the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The incident, which reportedly involved suspected political thugs, occurred in the state capital, Calabar, during a campaign visit.

Official Response from the State Government

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, Governor Otu expressed significant concern regarding the safety of the visiting political team. The Governor characterized the assault as an “unacceptable anomaly” that stands in stark contrast to the state’s reputation for hospitality and civil decorum.

Governor Otu emphasized that the state maintains a firm commitment to the peaceful exercise of political rights. He noted that the actions of the perpetrators do not reflect the values of the people of Cross River, describing the event as “barbaric” and entirely foreign to the local culture of harmony and mutual respect.

Commitment to Security and Justice

Addressing the broader implications of the violence, the Governor reiterated his administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward political criminality. He stated that lawlessness will not be permitted to become a normalized feature of the political landscape in Cross River State.

To address the incident, the Governor has issued direct instructions to local security agencies. According to the statement, security forces have been mandated to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Governor Otu pledged that the perpetrators will face the “full weight of the law,” signaling an intent to ensure that such disruptions do not hinder the democratic process for other political actors visiting the region.

The Broader Political Context

While the Governor has publicly denounced the attack and promised swift justice, specific details regarding the identity of the suspects or the extent of any injuries sustained during the incident remain unavailable at this time. The Cross River State government has used this opportunity to reassure all political parties that the state remains open and safe for constitutional political activities, despite the recent security breach.

Conclusion

The swift condemnation from Governor Otu highlights the tension surrounding campaign security in the lead-up to political events. By publicly distancing his administration from the actions of the perpetrators and calling for immediate law enforcement intervention, the Governor seeks to maintain the state’s image as a peaceful environment for national political discourse. The success of these efforts will likely depend on the progress of the ongoing security investigation.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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