NIGERIA, CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has assured delegates, athletes and officials that Calabar remains safe to host the National Council on Sports, countering reports suggesting rising insecurity in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Chief Press Secretary Linus Obogo said the government is “fully prepared” for the event, adding that insinuations about insecurity “do not reflect the serene and peaceful reality across the state.”
The press statement, released through the Governor’s Office, noted that Cross River recently hosted the National Council on Health, attended by the Minister of Health and key stakeholders, with no security incidents recorded.
According to Obogo, the health event “was conducted seamlessly and peacefully,” demonstrating the state’s ability to handle major national engagements with efficiency, orderliness and hospitality.
The government attributed the improved security environment to Governor Bassey Otu’s leadership, stressing that the state has strengthened its security architecture to protect residents and visitors throughout the event period.
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Obogo stated that Governor Otu’s administration “has ensured uninterrupted safety,” insisting that security agencies remain on heightened alert to maintain stability before, during and after the sports meeting.
He maintained that Cross River “remains calm, secure and ever-hospitable,” reaffirming the state’s readiness to welcome national and international guests with confidence and “the state’s trademark warmth.”
The government urged the public to disregard what it described as unfounded security claims and encouraged participants to proceed with their travel plans without fear or hesitation.
Cross River authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that all activities tied to the National Council on Sports proceed without disruptions.