Cross River Gov Decries Attack On Obi’s Convoy, Vows Action

Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has condemned the attack on the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by suspected political thugs on Wednesday in the state capital, Calabar.

In a statement released by his chief press secretary, Mr. Linus Obogo, Governor Otu expressed sadness and concern over the attack, extending his heartfelt sympathy to the visiting presidential candidate and his entourage.

“I extend my deepest, most heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Peter Obi and his team over the deeply disturbing incident that occurred yesterday during his campaign visit to our state capital,” the governor declared, emphasising that Cross River State stands in firm solidarity with all political actors seeking to engage peacefully with the electorate.

Governor Otu reiterated that Cross River State remains an enclave of civil harmony and hospitality, describing the incident as an unacceptable anomaly.

“As a government and as a people, our hearts go out to him, and we stand in firm solidarity against any act designed to instil fear or disrupt the peaceful exercise of political rights,” Otu stated.

“Cross River has long been cherished as the cradle of hospitality, warmth and civil decorum in Nigeria. Our culture is rooted in peace, harmony and mutual respect for all people, regardless of political affiliation.”

Describing the emotional toll the incident might have had on the state’s leadership and residents, the governor lamented that such hostility contradicted everything the state held dear.

“To witness such hostility within our dear state breaks our hearts, and we extend our unreserved comfort to Mr. Obi as he continues his engagement with the Nigerian electorate,” Governor Otu added, offering reassurance directly to the campaign team.

Condemning the perpetrators, the governor strongly denounced the attack.

“We unequivocally condemn this reckless assault and deprecate the action as entirely unwholesome, barbaric and completely alien to our identity as Cross Riverians,” he asserted, reaffirming that lawlessness would not be normalised under his leadership.

Emphasising the true nature of the state, Governor Otu said criminal aggression was contrary to the ethos of the people of Cross River.

“This disgraceful display of lawlessness does not reflect who we are, nor does it represent the cherished values of our peaceful state,” he noted, reassuring political parties that the state remained open and safe for constitutional political activities.

Sending a stern warning to the perpetrators, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s uncompromising stance on law and order.

“Let it be made unmistakably clear: our administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance against political violence and criminality in any form,” the governor warned.

Calling on security agencies to track down the perpetrators, Governor Otu pledged that those behind the violence would face swift justice.

“I have directed our security agencies to leave no stone unturned until every single perpetrator of this shameful act is brought to book to face the full weight of the law,” Governor Otu declared.