COPP Condemns Political Violence In Bakassi, Demands Action

The Coalition of Opposition Political Parties (COPP) has condemned the recent political violence in Bakassi local government area of Cross River State against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called on Governor Bassey Otu to fish out perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

The coalition, which comprises parties like APM, ZLP, YPP, ACCORD, BOOT, and NNPP, described the violence as “totally unacceptable.”

Speaking in an interactive session shortly after a meeting, spokesperson for the coalition, Comrade Victory Okoi, expressed disbelief at the horror of the attack where hoodlums chanted “APC and APC alone is the party they want in Bakassi.”

Okoi stated that the violence was wrong and undemocratic, saying “Nigeria is not a one-party state, and Cross River will not be the first to actualise a one-party state.”

He added that Nigeria has 21 registered political parties and they are “as free as the air to go about their activities.”

The coalition expressed disappointment, calling on Governor Otu to urgently bring those involved to book.

“Cross River has been known for its long-standing political peace and we want to maintain that record come 2027 general elections,” Okoi said.

The coalition called for calm, patriotism, urging security agencies to watch out for hoodlums, as elections are fast approaching.