...DSS Arrests Wike Chief of Staff
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the last general elections in Rivers State and Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, today's evening escaped assassination following attack on his convoy by gunmen.
The assailants were said to have followed him and his entourage from Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state to the UTC Junction, along Azikiwe Road, in Port Harcourt where they were attacked close to the state office of the Department of Security Service (DSS).
Some DSS operatives attached to the NIMASA director-general were hit by bullets and are currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt.
As at the time of filing this report, Peterside was still at the DSS with the Chief of Staff making statements.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Ahmad Kidaya Muhammad, said he was yet to get reports of any attack like that.
A statement by Sylvester Asoya, Special Assistant (Media) to Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA narrowly escaped death this afternoon after his vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two utility vehicles on his way from the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Asoya stated that Peterside was in his car with Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Rivers State All Progressives Congress, APC Chairman and Hon. Asita Honourable, Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in April 2015 election when they were attacked.
“Two Jeeps belonging to Emeka Woke, Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff carrying two unknown gunmen trailed us to UTC Junction and opened fire at my car. Our car however did a detour to the DSS office gate where we drove to seek refuge but the unknown gunmen opened fire again at the SSS men on guard.
“The exchange of fire between the DSS men and the assailants lasted for more than 30 minutes. This is a very ugly experience but I thank God that my colleagues and I escaped unhurt.
“Today’s experience is not only terrifying but also shows the parlous state of security in Rivers State. If I can be engaged openly by gunmen for nearly an hour in the heart of Port Harcourt, only God knows the fate that will befall members of our party and those sympathetic to our predicament. What is happening today in our dear state is not only horrible but also constitutes serious national security risk", Asoya added
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Chief Kenneth Kobani, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, and Hon. Cyril Wite, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects.
Dr Austin Tam-George, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rivers State in a statement cried that Kenneth and Wite were arrested and detained on Election Day by the Nigerian Military, “simply for being members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Their fate is the same with thousands of PDP supporters who were brutalized, arrested, shot at, and even killed by the military and thugs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the rerun elections on Saturday.
“In many reported instances, the role of the military in the inconclusive elections have been shameful, embarrassing, and a kick in the face of constitutional democracy.
“The military were indistinguishable from the rag tag thugs of the APC, under the direct command of Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Dakuku Peterside, Mr Magnus Abe, and others.
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