BY EDMOND ODOK – The Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF), Abuja has condemned the killing of a security officer and violence that trailed the conduct of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s primary election for Obudu, Bekwarra, Obanlikwu Federal constituency in the State.
A statement by the Forum described the killing of an innocent police officer, who was discharging a constitutionally mandated duty to his fatherland, as not only unwarranted and needless but also a heinous crime against society.
The Statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Comrade Ignatius Ushie, said the unfortunate incident is a sad commentary on the State’s political development, lamenting that the life of a man who left his family to serve the country was horribly snuffed off by bloodthirsty individuals and groups in the name of playing politics.
According to the Forum; “As journalists, we condemn this dastardly act and call on our security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book. How can you kill people that you want to represent?
“Politics should be played without bitterness, and no bloodshed is required. We are calling on political office holders to coordinate their supporters and eschew violence at all times.
“Our people deserve better. Obudu, Bekwarra, and Obanlikwu are peaceful places, and that peace should be maintained by all.
“We commiserate with the family of late Martins Mbang and request that all parties should remain calm while the government investigates the matter and brings the culprits to book.”
The Forum urged politicians across party platforms to always eschew bitterness while being circumspect in their utterances and actions, urging that; “In this political era, let the politics of Cross Riverians be issues-based rather than violence based.”
