The Department of State Security (DSS) in Rivers state has averted an assassination attempt on Peterside Dakuku, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in last year’s gubernatorial election in the state and reportedly arrested ChukwuEmeka Woke, the Chief of Staff to Governor Nyesom Wike for leading a killer squad in two Sport Utility vehicles that trailed and opened fire on Mr. Dakuku.
According to a statement by Mr. Dakuku’s office, the gunmen trailed him from Aba Road as he drove towards his house in the GRA area of Port Harcourt, but as his car made to turn towards the GRA entrance to his home, the gunmen drove aggressively hoping to overtake his car.
Dakuku then changed course and drove to the state headquarters of the DSS as his security aide had already radioed for help.
Soon as Dakuku was allowed into the premises of the DSS, officers at the gate reportedly opened fire on the two SUVs trailing him and succeeded in demobilizing the care and got some of the occupants including Mr. Woke arrested.
One of Dakuku’s security aides was seriously injured as a result of exchange gunfire during the thirty-minute long encounter.
And in a statement, the All Progressives Congress (APC) said that Peterside was in his car with Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Rivers State APC Chairman and Hon H.O. Asita, Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in April 2015 election.
“Two Jeeps belonging to Emeka Woke, Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff carrying two unknown gunmen trailed us to UTC Junction and opened fire on 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.”
Peterside who was Wike’s opponent in last year’s governorship election in Rivers State added that it is now evident that the governor wants to kill him and that he is prepared to do everything possible to eliminate him.” [myad]
