Otu condemns assault on Peter Obi’s convoy, orders arrest of perpetrators

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has condemned the assault on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, in Calabar, directing safety businesses to trace down and arrest these accountable.

Obi’s convoy was attacked by suspected political thugs on Wednesday afternoon round Watt Market Roundabout whereas getting back from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, venue of the NDC presidential city corridor assembly.

The attackers reportedly hurled stones at automobiles within the convoy, smashing windshields and inflicting panic amongst supporters and members of the entourage. Obi additionally alleged that among the assailants have been armed with machetes and different harmful weapons.

In an announcement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, Governor Otu described the incident as disturbing and opposite to the values of peace and mutual respect related to Cross River State.

He expressed sympathy with Obi and his entourage, stressing that the state wouldn’t tolerate any try and intimidate political actors or disrupt their constitutional proper to marketing campaign and interact with the citizens.

Otu warned that his administration wouldn’t condone political violence or criminality, whatever the political affiliations of these concerned.

He stated he had directed safety businesses to go away no stone unturned in figuring out and apprehending all these behind the assault, assuring that anybody discovered culpable would face the complete weight of the regulation.

Obi, who confirmed the incident, alleged that the attackers have been members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and warned towards permitting political violence to undermine the 2027 common elections.

The Cross River State Police Command additionally confirmed the assault, saying its personnel responded with tear gasoline to disperse the hoodlums. It disclosed {that a} 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, had been arrested and transferred to the State Police Headquarters for investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a radical investigation to apprehend different fleeing suspects and set up the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The command assured political events and their supporters of equal safety safety, regardless of political affiliation.