APC guber candidate suspends campaign over fatal accident at Calabar carnival

Bassey Otu, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River, has announced the suspension of his campaign.

In a statement on Wednesday, Otu said he was suspending the activities to mourn with the families of fun seekers who died during the bikers carnival on Tuesday in Calabar.

TheCable had reported that a Toyota Camry vehicle lost control and crashed into a crowd at the festival.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), seven people were killed while 29 persons sustained injuries.

Reacting, Otu described the incident as “a rude shock”.

“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,” he said.

“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.”