Calabar carnival tragedy: Ayade lacks empathy, concern — Cross River PDP
Following an incident that happened yesterday during the biker’s carnival, the Cross River State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized Governor Ben Ayade.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, said it is indeed worrisome that Governor Ben Ayade announced the cancellation of the Bikers’ carnival through a lame and disconnected press statement credited to his Chief Press Secretary, nevertheless, this did not stop him and his luxurious train from parading the rest of the carnival route in glee and celebration despite the carnage.
The statement reads in part;
“The Peoples Democratic Party Cross River State received with grave concern and profound sadness, the news of the outrageous carnage that occurred during the ill-fated Bikers’ carnival in Bogobiri. As a party, we are deeply saddened by the unfortunate and avoidable death of young people– including a pregnant woman–whose only crime were coming out to seek fun and enjoy the festivity of the season. We deeply commiserate with the families of those whose lives were brutally cut short and particularly to the Government of Cross River State”.
“Admittedly, this is indeed a very difficult time for us as a state, but while we mourn the dead, it’s very pertinent to ask salient questions and carry out thorough investigation, in pursuance of deserving justice for the deceased. It is indeed worrisome that Governor Ben Ayade announced the cancellation of the Bikers’ carnival through a lame and disconnected press statement credited to his Chief Press Secretary, nevertheless, this did not stop him and his luxurious train from parading the rest of the carnival route in glee and celebration despite the carnage”.
“The Peoples Democratic Party views this act from the Governor as a demonstration of lack of empathy, concern, assurance and commitment expected of a Chief Security officer of the State, who ought to be a comforter to his people in the face of such horrific carnage. In saner climes, the Governor would personally address the state and publicly commiserate with the families of the deceased. Governor Ben Ayade’s personal silence is deafening and points to the worthlessness of human life in Ben Ayade’s Cross River State”.
“The Peoples Democratic Party condemns in no uncertain terms this avoidable ugly incident that occurred as a result of lack of proper planning that usually goes with the Calabar carnival. It was noticeable that throughout the Bikers’ carnival, taxis and other unapproved vehicles moved freely through the carnival routes without any obstruction from security agencies. This has never been the way the massive street party that calabar carnival is, has been planned and executed since its inception over a decade ago. But as with everything that has to do with Ben Ayade, this is the first time any aspect of the Calabar Carnival would end in tears and sorrow, especially for fun seekers who came just to enjoy the spectacle. It speaks volumes of Governor Ben Ayade’s ineptitude and inability to organize anything of worth”.
“While we urge participants of the carnival to continue to enjoy the fun of the festivities, we enjoin them to exercise maximum caution in the process, including guiding themselves against possible infection from the cholera that is currently ravaging the state”.
“We call on the Security agencies to unravel the identity of the killer driver and the officials that compromised the carnival route that led to the killer driver gaining access into the carnival route. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the State”.
