The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River, Bassey Otu, has announced the suspension of his campaign.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the candidate 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.
It was reported how a Toyota Camry vehicle lost control and crashed into a crowd of onlookers during the carnival..
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), seven people were killed while 29 persons sustained injuries.
It was reports that the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, was already seated with other dignitaries when the accident occurred. The incident brought the day five activities to a sudden end.
It would be recalled that the annual carnival which started during the administration of Donald Duke, did not hold for the past two years.
The carnival was suspended in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. No reason was, however, given for the carnival not being held in 2021.
Reports had it that efforts were still being made to put some facilities in place for the 2022 edition of the carnival, which was hurriedly put up.
Meanwhile, Gov Ayade condoled the families of those who lost their lives and promised to bring to book the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident.
Reacting, Bassey 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, he said.
“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 added.”
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