28th December, 2022
By George Odok
Sen. Bassey Otu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Cross River, has announced suspension of all his political activities over the killing of seven people by a motorist at Calabar Carnival on Tuesday.
The Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps in Cross River, Mr Maikano Hassan, confirmed that seven people were crushed while 29 others were injured in the incident that occurred during the bikers carnival.
Otu, in an announcement he signed by the candidate on Wednesday in Calabar said he is suspending his campaign to honour those who list their lives in the carnival.
Otu said that he was suspending the activities to mourn with the families of fun seekers who died in a car accident during the bikers carnival on Tuesday in Calabar.
“The news of the unfortunate and tragic death of some residents in Cross River who left their homes to watch the bikers parade came to me as a rude shock.
“I deeply commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives in that tragic but avoidable incident and pray that the good Lord comfort them.
“I totally condemn this unfortunate and avoidable death of innocent citizens of our dear state.
“I join the government and other well-meaning residents in Cross River in calling for a thorough investigation into the matter with the aim of ensuring that those found culpable are made to face the full wrath of the law.
“To honour the dead, I have decided to suspend all my political activities till further notice to mourn with the families of the injured and those who lost their lives,” he said.
FRSC listed the number of injured to include 21 male adults, three women, two male children and three female children.
(NAN)