Ayade suspends 2021 Calabar carnival, gives reason

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers state has suspended the 2021 edition of the Calabar Carnival.

The popular carnival is an annual display of culture and beauty and to mark Christmas celebration. Cross-River is the home of tourism and hospitality  in Nigeria and Africa, and goes by the slogan ‘The People’s Paradise.’

According to the governor, the health concerns arising from the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, as well as the prevailing security situation, are his reasons for the suspension.

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 chairman from the 18 Council areas of the state.

He said 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.

He added that the lives of people are paramount and he would compromise the lives and safety of the citizens for the fleeting excitement of the carnival.