C/River PDP Candidate Condemns Attack On Obi’s Convoy In Calabar

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has condemned the assault on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, in Calabar on Thursday.

Obi was attacked on Wednesday whereas travelling to attend a city corridor assembly as a part of his political engagements forward of the 2027 normal election.

Reacting to the incident, Archibong described the assault as unprovoked and expressed concern over what he characterised as rising political intolerance and violence towards opposition figures in Cross River State.

In an announcement, the PDP candidate accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration within the state of encouraging the intimidation of opposition members and sponsoring thugs to assault dissenting voices.

He recalled the same incident through the PDP’s session go to to Calabar South, alleging that a number of celebration supporters have been wounded, whereas some sustained critical bullet accidents that required hospital remedy.

According to him, the incident occurred whereas the PDP delegation was addressing residents who had gathered to specific dissatisfaction with the state authorities and present help for the opposition celebration.

“Now that same violence has been visited on the convoy of the NDC presidential candidate, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi,” Archibong stated.

He lamented that Cross River, which he stated had beforehand loved a status as one in every of Nigeria’s most peaceable states, was more and more being related to political violence and intolerance in direction of opposition voices.

“It is shameful to say the least that Cross River should be trending as a violent state with zero tolerance for dissenting voices and opposition,” he stated.

Archibong stated though he was happy that the incident had attracted nationwide consideration, he was involved concerning the damaging picture it was creating for the state.

“Cross River is a land of peace and hospitality, and we refuse to watch it be reduced to a theatre of thuggery,” he added.

The PDP governorship candidate expressed solidarity with these affected by the assault, urging them to not be discouraged by the incident.

He additional alleged that the APC was resorting to violence due to fears of dropping the 2027 elections, claiming that the ruling celebration had misplaced the help of Cross River residents.

“Their violence is not strength. It is the cry of a rejected government that knows its time is over,” Archibong stated.

He referred to as on safety businesses to accentuate efforts to guard residents and stop additional assaults, notably towards opposition members and their supporters.

“We urge all security agencies to wake up to the call of their duties and protect the citizens of Cross River State. We are operating a democracy and will not allow the panic attacks of a failed government to distract our focus,” he stated.

Archibong additionally declared that the PDP would proceed its political actions within the state, insisting that Cross River belonged to all its residents and shouldn’t be decreased to what he described as a theatre of political oppression.

He expressed confidence that the 2027 elections would offer a possibility for residents to impact a change within the state’s political management.