Otu Decries Obi Convoy Attack, Vows Action

Bassey Inyang in Calabar pp

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 in the state capital, Calabar.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Linus Obogo, Otu expressed deep sadness and concern over the attack, extending his warm empathy 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,” he declared, emphasising that Cross River State stands in firm solidarity with all political actors seeking to engage peacefully with the electorate.

Otu said Cross River State remained an enclave of civil harmony and hospitality, making the ugly occurrence 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 instill fear or disrupt the peaceful exercise of political rights.

“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,” Otu said.

Describing the emotional toll the incident might have had on the leadership and residents of the state, 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,” Otu added, and offered reassurance directly to the campaign team.