Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has declared a zero-tolerance policy against political violence following an attack on the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, in Calabar on Thursday, Otu condemned Wednesday’s incident, allegedly carried out by suspected political thugs, describing it as barbaric and inconsistent with the peaceful and hospitable nature of Cross River State.
He expressed sadness over the attack and extended his sympathy to Obi and members of 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 said.
The governor maintained that his administration would not permit political violence to threaten the rights of individuals and political parties to engage peacefully with voters.
He noted that the incident contradicted the values of peace, harmony and mutual respect cherished by the people of Cross River, regardless of their 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,” Otu stated.
He further warned political actors and their supporters against resorting to violence, insisting that anyone found engaging in criminal activities would face the consequences.
“Let it be made unmistakably clear: our administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance against political violence and criminality in any form,” he said.
Otu also revealed that he had instructed security agencies to intensify investigations and ensure that those responsible for the attack were identified and arrested.
“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 added.
The governor assured political parties and their supporters that his administration remained committed to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for political activities and the exercise of democratic rights across the state.
NAN
