Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has warned politicians, their sponsors and all who may be contemplating the use of arms to advance political interests that his administration will not allow the state to become a theatre of violence, intimidation or electoral disruption.
The warning follows the interception of a cache of sophisticated weapons along the Bekwarra–Ogoja axis by security operatives, raising concerns about the movement of illegal arms into the state ahead of critical political activities. Four suspects were reportedly trailed from northern Nigeria through Benue State into Cross River. Two were arrested, while two others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.
Speaking on the Governor's behalf at the parade of suspects and display of the recovered weapons, the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Dr Peter Odey, said the government would confront decisively any threat to the peace, security and democratic stability of the State.
"The peace of Cross River State is non-negotiable. No political ambition, personal interest or desperation for power is worth the life of any citizen. We will not allow anyone, regardless of status, political affiliation or connections, to import violence into our state or turn our communities into killing fields," he said.
Odey said preliminary investigations suggested the arms might be connected to the prevailing political atmosphere. He stressed that the government would treat the discovery not as an isolated incident but as a matter requiring the fullest attention of security agencies.
"Arms of this nature, if placed in the wrong hands, could be used to intimidate political opponents, terrorise communities, disrupt lawful political activities and inflict irreversible harm on innocent citizens. We will not sit idly by while anyone attempts to undermine the safety of our people," he said.
The Deputy Governor said the state's democratic space must remain open to peaceful competition, persuasion and the free expression of political choices, and that no individual or group would be allowed to exploit the political season to create fear or erode public confidence in the electoral process.
"Politics must be a contest of ideas, character, vision and service, not a contest of weapons. Those who believe they can gain advantage through intimidation, criminality or the sponsorship of violence are gravely mistaken. The law will take its full course against anyone found culpable," he said.
Odey disclosed that the arrested suspects would be charged to court, while investigations continued to establish the origin of the weapons, trace the network responsible for their movement and identify their alleged sponsors and intended recipients.
"The people who physically move weapons are only one part of the investigation. We must establish where these arms came from, who arranged their transportation, who financed the operation and who was expected to receive them. Anyone found to have participated in this criminal enterprise will be brought before the law," he said.
He warned that no one would be allowed to hide behind political office, party membership, community influence or personal connections to escape accountability.
"Our position is clear: nobody is above the law. We will not shield anyone because of political affiliation, social standing or relationship with persons in authority. If investigations establish that anyone sponsored, procured, transported or intended to deploy these weapons for criminal purposes, such a person will face the consequences prescribed by law," he declared.
He urged politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint, operate within the law and reject any temptation to recruit, arm or mobilise individuals for violence.
"Every political actor has a responsibility to protect the peace of this state. We must not allow political differences to divide our communities or turn neighbours against one another. Whoever seeks public office must be prepared to earn the confidence of the people peacefully and democratically. There can be no justification for the use of illegal arms to pursue political objectives," he added.
Odey assured residents that the administration remained committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. He asked the public to report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate security agencies.
He also commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response.
"The security agencies deserve commendation for acting promptly to prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. Their work underscores the importance of intelligence-led policing, inter-agency collaboration and the vigilance of citizens. We encourage them to sustain this effort and ensure that every link in this investigation is thoroughly examined," he said.
Daniel Bebia
