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APC mourns death of fun seekers in Calabar; Guber candidate suspends campaign 

Senator Bassey Otu, APC guber candidate, Cross River State

Stories by George Odok

Calabar, Dec. 28, 2022

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River on Wednesday expressed shock at the killing of eight fun seekers during the Calabar Carnival’s Bikers Parade on Tuesday.

This is as Senator Bassey Otu, the party’s Governorship Candidate in the state, announced suspension of all his political activities forthwith.
The announcement is contained in a statement signed by the candidate on Wednesday in Calabar.

Besides the dead, many persons were also injured in the accident which occurred when a motorist rammed into the crowd of fun seekers.

The APC’s Publicity Secretary in Cross River, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, stated on Wednesday in Calabar that its leadership was traumatised by the accident.

“The leadership of APC in Cross River is deeply pained and traumatised by the horrifying, saddening and devastating incident which has stained and shortened the joy and excitement of the Yuletide celebration.

“We mourn and sympathise with the families of the deceased and those injured who are currently receiving treatment.

“We also commiserate with our leader, Gov. Ben Ayade and indeed the entire people of our state over the harrowing incident.

“We pledge our support for the families of the deceased and survivors during this moment of grief and pain,’’ Ekpang stated.

He added that the party would do everything within its capacity to soothe the pain caused the families and the survivors.

He assured that the ugly and unfortunate occurrence would be addressed appropriately.

“We also want to state that this should not deter your confidence in the party as we are also out for you and your well-being.

“Please, once again, accept our deep sympathy on this unfortunate accident. We pray God to strengthen you and your families,’’ Ekpang stressed.

Senator Otu, in his statement, said that he was suspending his political activities to mourn with the families of the fun seekers who died in the accident.
“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.
 

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