Peterside, Others Escapes Assassination Attempt By Gunmen As Wike’s Chief Of Staff Is Held Over Attack

EMEKA WOKE ... CREDIT: THE NATION
EMEKA WOKE … CREDIT: THE NATION

The governorship candidate of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) in last year’s general election, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, and some leaders of the party yesterday escaped death in the hands of suspected assassins in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Peterside, who was recently appointed the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), was riding in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with his former deputy, Asita Honourable and the Rivers APC Chairman, Davies Ikanya, when they reportedly came under fire.

The NIMASA DG’s Special Assistant (Media) Sylvester Asoya, in a statement last night, said Peterside and the other APC leaders escaped assassins’ bullets by a close shave.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to Governor Nyesom Wike, Emeka Woke, was arrested over the attack.

Peterside said his vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two SUVs as they approached the city from the Port Harcourt International Airport.

His orderly Emma Esi, was said to have been hit by the suspected assassins’ bullet in the leg.

The statement said: “Two jeeps belonging to Emeka Woke, Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff, carrying two unknown gunmen, trailed us to UTC Junction (near Government House, Port Harcourt) and opened fire on my car. Our car, however, did a detour to the DSS (Department of State Services) office gate, where we drove to seek refuge, but the unknown gunmen opened fire again at the DSS 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 (yesterday’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”.

The NIMASA boss, who contested and lost the April 11 governorship poll to Wike, also stated that it was now evident that the governor wanted to kill him and was prepared to do everything possible to make sure it happens.

Woke was last night arrested to explain his role in the alleged assassination attempt on Peterside in front of the DSS office on Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.