By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has warned politicians and their sponsors against importing arms into the state to advance political interests.
The warning follows the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons along the Bekwarra-Ogoja axis by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Four suspects were reportedly trailed from northern Nigeria through Benue into Cross River. Two were arrested, while two others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Reacting through his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, during the parade of the suspects and display of the recovered weapons, Otu said his administration will not allow the state to be turned into a theatre of violence and electoral disruption.
“The peace of Cross River is non-negotiable and no political ambition or desperation for power is worth the life of any citizen.
“We will not allow anyone to import violence into our state or turn our communities into killing fields,” he warned.
Otu said preliminary investigations suggest the movement of arms may be linked to the prevailing political atmosphere and requires thorough investigation.
He said the discovery should not be treated as an isolated incident, warning that such weapons could be used to intimidate opponents, terrorise communities and disrupt lawful political activities.
“Politics must be a contest of ideas, character, vision and service, not a contest of weapons.
“Those who believe they can gain political advantage through intimidation or sponsorship of violence are gravely mistaken,” he said.
According to the governor, the arrested suspects will be charged to court while investigations continue to trace the origin of the weapons, their sponsors and intended recipients.
“Nobody is above the law. We will not shield anyone because of political affiliation or social standing. Anyone found to have sponsored, procured or transported these weapons will face the law,” Otu declared.
He urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He commended the DSS and other security agencies for their vigilance and swift response that led to the interception.
