Mbume Blocks of Clans in Etung local government area of Cross River State has called on Governor Bassey Otu to investigate the alleged assassination attempt on the life of Dr Oscar Ofuka, an ex-special adviser to former Governor Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development and Control.
The chairman, crisis management committee of Mbume Blocks of Clans, His Highness Ntufam Odu Ndep Moses, made the appeal during an interactive session with LEADERSHIP yesterday in Calabar, the state capital.
The committee condemned the act, describing it as “treacherous” and masterminded by a top political office holder in the state government, as confessed by one of the suspects.
It urged Governor Otu to investigate the matter thoroughly and bring those behind the assassination attempt to justice.
The clan emphasised that no one has the right to take another person’s life, regardless of their position or authority.
The committee chairman stressed the importance of not allowing those in power to trample on people’s rights or defy the law without consequences.
Recalled that Ntufam Dr. Oscar Ofuka had raised an alarm about an assassination attempt on his life, claiming that a group of persons had been caught at his residence by law enforcement agents.
One of the assailants allegedly confessed to being sent by a top government functionary in Governor Otu’s administration.
Reacting to the issue, the state commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, said the government cannot say anything about it because it’s a police issue, and as such, the police have the power to handle such an issue.
In his remarks, the Cross River police deputy public relations officer, Igiri Ewa, denied any knowledge of the matter.
“When you said security operatives apprehended an alleged assassin suspect and he had mentioned a particular top government official in the administration of Governor Otu, you know we are many, we have different security organisations operating in the state. However, we are going to find out and get back to you,” Ewa said.
