Ayade suspends 2021 Calabar Carnival
The Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade has suspended the 2021 edition of the Calabar Carnival.
The governor said the decision was based purely on health grounds due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, as well as the prevailing security situation.
It was learnt that Ayade made the announcement on Monday at the State Executive Council Chamber attended by carnival band leaders, members of the State Executive Council and Local Government chairmen from the 18 council areas of the state.
The governor stated that the gathering was to unveil the theme of the 2021 edition of the carnival but based on the emergence of the new variant called Omicron and advice by health experts that it kills faster than other variants, the carnival has to be suspended.
The decision was unanimously agreed upon by the stakeholders at the meeting.
Ayade, however, explained that the lives of the people are paramount, adding that he would not compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.
