Former Governor of Cross River State, Clement Ebri, has called for a review of the planning and management of future editions of Carnival Calabar.
The call is contained in a statement signed by him, dated December 28 and made available to newsmen yesterday. He made call following the December 27 accident that claimed about eight lives during Bikers’ parade at the Bogobiri axis of Mary Slessor avenue.
Ebri said: “Without question, the unprecedented but tragic accident that occurred during the “Bikers’ Carnival” on December 27, which claimed about seven people, with others injured, has, in deed, cast a sombre hue over the colourful luminance and joyful celebrations of the Calabar carnival.
“For close to two decades, this event has become a veritable flagship of unity and hope for a people, whose resilient spirit, literally makes a “feast out of crumbs” and ignites joy around not just the entire nation, but the world at large.”
Ebri, who was the state governor in the third republic, said “may I say that this unfortunate incident also presents us with an opportunity at self -introspection and reflection with regard to the planning and management of this banquet of festive joy”.
He appealed to the public to exercise restraint in their expression of grief, saying he was confident Ayade would not only investigate the incident, as he has pledged, but will put measures in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
He thanked Ayade for his concern and show of goodwill and empathy in his visit to the injured in the hospital and his pledge to offset the medical bills.
“I further implore him to make a generous provision to cushion the impact of the devastating blow on families of the deceased and the injured.
MEANWHILE, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Bassey Edet Otu, has called for the probe of the incident.
He said: “I totally condemn this unfortunate and avoidable death of innocent citizens of our dear state and join the government and other citizens in calling for thorough investigation into the matter with the aim of ensuring that those found culpable are made to face the full wrath of the law.”
