PDP Alleges Assassination Attempt On Guber Candidate In Calabar South

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has alleged an assassination attempt on its governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis-Archibong, during the party’s consultative tour of Calabar South on Friday.

Javis-Archibong said gunmen attacked his convoy at two locations, first at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon 1,  where three persons were injured, and later at the African Club along Calabar Road, where vehicles were destroyed and shots were fired at his convoy.

According to him, about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation which was duly communicated to the police, but hoodlums still disrupted the meetings and opened fire on party members.

“We have restrained our supporters from retaliating because we believe in the rule of law. Rather than fight back, we moved our convoy straight to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection,” he said.

The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, in a statement, described the incident as a “disturbing attack” on democratic engagement and urged security agencies to identify,  apprehend and prosecute those responsible, appealing to members to “remain calm and avoid any act of retaliation.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied involvement through its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, while the Cross River State Police Command said personnel have been deployed to the affected locations, the situation is under control and reports of gunfire and injuries are being verified.