Calabar attack: Gov. Otu sympathizes with Obi, others, declares war on political thuggery
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Cross River governor, Bassey Otu has extended his sympathy to the presidential candidate of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi and members of his entourage over Wednesday’s attack on their convoy in Calabar.
“Otu condemned the attack by suspected political thugs, describing it as barbaric and contrary to the peaceful disposition and hospitality for which Cross River is known,” the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Linus Obogo, said in a statement made available to newsmen in Calabar on Thursday.
He added that the Otu has declared zero-tolerance stance against political thuggery while vowing that his administration would not allow political violence to undermine the rights of individuals and political groups to engage peacefully with the electorate.
“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.
He described the attack as alien to the values of Cross River people, who, according to him, cherished peace, harmony, and mutual respect irrespective of political affiliations.
“We unequivocally condemn this reckless assault and deprecate the action as entirely unwholesome, barbaric, and completely alien to our identity as Cross Riverians,” he said.
The governor warned that his administration would not tolerate any attempt by political actors or their supporters to resort to violence.
“Let it be made unmistakably clear: our administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance against political violence and criminality in any form,” he said.
Otu disclosed that he had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend all those involved in the attack.
“I have directed our security agencies to leave no stones unturned until every single perpetrator of this shameful act is brought to book to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
He reassured political parties and their supporters that Cross River remain ed committed to providing a peaceful environment for political engagement and the exercise of democratic rights.(NAN)