Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has condemned the attack on the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by suspected political thugs in Calabar, the state capital.
The governor described the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, as disturbing and unacceptable, expressing sympathy with Obi and members of his entourage.
Otu’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, in which he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to peaceful political activities and freedom of political expression.
“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 said.
He stressed that Cross River remained committed to providing a peaceful environment for political actors to engage with residents, irrespective of their party affiliations.
“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.
The governor described the attack as contrary to the state’s reputation for hospitality, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, saying such acts of hostility had no place in Cross River.
“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,” he added.
Otu further expressed concern over the incident, noting that political violence undermined the values the state had consistently upheld.
He described the attack as reckless, barbaric and inconsistent with the character of Cross River residents.
“This disgraceful display of lawlessness does not reflect who we are, nor does it represent the cherished values of our peaceful state,” the governor said.
Reaffirming his administration’s position against political violence, Otu warned that perpetrators of such acts would not be allowed to operate without consequences.
“Let it be made unmistakably clear: our administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance against political violence and criminality in any form,” he stated.
The governor also disclosed that he had directed security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure their prosecution.
“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,” Otu declared.
He assured political parties and their supporters that Cross River remained open to peaceful political engagement and other lawful democratic activities.
