All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside has alleged that gunmen hired by Governor Nyesom Wike attempted to kill him on Sunday, March 20, 2016.
Peterside made the allegation via a statement released by his media aide, Sylvester Asoya, The Cable reports.
The statement reads in part:
“Our car however did a detour to first Aba road then old GRA with the two jeeps still trailing us. We drove to the DSS office to seek refuge and on getting to the gate 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. In course of exchange of fire my Police detail Cpl Emma Esi was shot at and seriously injured. This is a very ugly experience but I thank God that my colleagues and I escaped unhurt.”
“When the DSS men demobilized the two jeeps, we found out that the man at the back of the car who was identifying us to the assailants is Wike’s Chief of staff, Emeka Woke. He has been arrested by the DSS.”
“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.”
There has been heightened tension in Rivers due to the March 19 State and National Assembly rerun elections.
Peterside is currently the Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate