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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has condemned the attack on the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by suspected political thugs in Calabar.
Otu described the incident as disturbing and expressed sympathy with Obi and members of his entourage, who were in the state capital for a political engagement.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, the governor said the state stood in solidarity with political actors seeking to engage peacefully with voters.
“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,” he said.
Otu described the attack as contrary to Cross River’s reputation for hospitality, peace and mutual respect, insisting that such hostility was unacceptable.
“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,” the governor stated.
He added that the incident did not represent the identity or values of the people of the state.
“This disgraceful display of lawlessness does not reflect who we are, nor does it represent the cherished values of our peaceful state,” Otu said.
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The governor also condemned the perpetrators, describing their actions as barbaric and warning that his administration would not tolerate political violence.
“We unequivocally condemn this reckless assault and deprecate the action as entirely unwholesome, barbaric, and completely alien to our identity as Cross Riverians,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s position on security, Otu declared that there would be no tolerance for political violence or criminality in the state.
“Let it be made unmistakably clear: our administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance against political violence and criminality in any form,” he warned.
The governor further disclosed that he had directed security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.
“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,” he said.
Otu also reassured political parties and their candidates that Cross River remained open to peaceful political engagements, regardless of their affiliations.
