The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has suspended the 2021 Calabar Carnival due to concerns about the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Linus Obogo made the announcement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Calabar. He disclosed that the decision was reached at a meeting with the governor, State Executive Council members and stakeholders of the carnival.
Recall earlier on Monday that the Commissioner for Tourism had stated authoritatively that the Calabar Carnival would be held and that the public should expect the governor to unveil the theme for the carnival this year.
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“The gathering was to unveil the theme of this year’s Calabar Carnival but based on the emergence of the new variant called Omicron, and the advis5e by health experts to that it kills faster than other variants, the governor then put it before the stakeholders and it was unanimously agreed that the carnival be suspended. The Deputy Chief Press Secretary said.
He also disclosed that security reports had been received which indicated that the Calabar Carnival may be taken over by hoodlums.
“To avoid all of this from happening, it was advised that the carnival be suspended so that people are not caught unawares.” Mr. Obogo said.
