Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, narrowly escaped death on Saturday afternoon, a statement by his media aide, Sylvester Asoya, has said.
Peterside attack 1Asoya, in the statement, said Peterside’s vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two utility vehicles on his way from the Port Harcourt International Airport to Port Harcourt town.
Peterside, who was in his car with Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in rivers State; and Hon. H.O. Asita, the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in April 2015 election, said they escaped the assassins bullets by a stroke of luck.
Peter side was quoted by the statement as having said: “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 Governor 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.
