Obono-Obla rejects Atiku's Calabar insecurity claims, cites improved safety

A human rights activist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly rejected recent assertions by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding insecurity in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State. Speaking on a national television station, Obono-Obla characterized the former vice president's claims as baseless gossip that does not reflect the actual situation on the ground. He stated firmly that the state capital is currently one of the safest cities in Nigeria for residents and visitors alike.

Obono-Obla directed significant praise toward Governor Bassey Otu for the effective and efficient security measures implemented in the state. He noted that prior to the current governor's tenure, the security situation was dire, with university lecturers and doctors facing frequent kidnappings. According to the APC chieftain, the appointment of a retired Major General as the state security adviser marked a turning point, leading to a substantial improvement in public safety. He further highlighted that the governor has provided significant support to security agencies, including the deployment of government police officers, which has contributed to the current stability.

Background

The controversy stems from recent comments made by Atiku Abubakar, who alleged that Calabar is experiencing security challenges. Obono-Obla, a former presidential aide, responded by accusing Atiku of relying on unverified information. He described it as inappropriate for a former Vice President of Nigeria to engage in such discourse, suggesting that the claims were petty and disconnected from reality.

The discussion also touched upon a specific incident involving the campaign convoy of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Obono-Obla addressed this event by noting that minor disturbances, such as stone-throwing, are not uncommon during political campaigns, even in established democracies like the United States. He characterized the incident as an isolated case rather than evidence of a broader security crisis. Furthermore, he raised the possibility that the incident might have been caused by internal disaffection within Obi's own political party, rather than external threats or general lawlessness in the state.

Why it matters

This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions in Nigeria as the country approaches its next electoral cycle. The security situation in key states like Cross River is a significant factor for voters and political stakeholders. By dismissing the insecurity claims, the APC chieftain aims to bolster confidence in the current administration's governance and security capabilities. Conversely, the allegations by a former Vice President carry weight in the public discourse, potentially influencing perceptions of stability in the region. The incident involving Peter Obi's convoy adds another layer to the narrative, with competing explanations ranging from typical campaign friction to internal party dynamics. These differing accounts underscore the polarized nature of the political environment and the importance of accurate information in shaping public opinion.

What happens next

The sources do not specify any immediate upcoming events, court dates, or official investigations related to these specific statements. The political discourse is expected to continue as both parties engage in campaign activities and public debates regarding governance and security.