Former minister of transportation Rotimi Amaechi narrowly escaped an attack on Friday when suspected gunmen targeted his convoy shortly after he arrived to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Ikwerre local government area, Rivers State.
Eyewitnesses reported that indiscriminate gunfire erupted in parts of the Ubima community as Amaechi’s convoy approached the registration venue, sparking panic among residents and supporters gathered for the event.
Security personnel quickly intervened to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating.
Despite the frightening incident, Amaechi proceeded with the registration exercise and addressed supporters and residents in his hometown.
The Rivers state police command has not yet issued a statement regarding the attack as of the time of this report.
Speaking after the event, Amaechi condemned the attack but commended security agencies for their swift and professional response.
He highlighted the role of the police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in stabilising the situation.
“I want to commend the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the DSS for their cooperation. They showed a lot of professionalism. Immediately I made contact with them, they responded. In fact, I wasn’t expecting that level of cooperation,” he said.
“All of us will agree that the police came out, the NSCDC came out, and the DSS also came out. We are grateful to them,” he added.
Amaechi insisted that those responsible must be identified and prosecuted to prevent further attacks.
“They must show that this will not continue by prosecuting those involved in this crime. I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of not protecting the lives of people. When people feel unprotected, they may begin to defend themselves because they don’t want to die,” he said.
He also urged residents and supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“For now, everybody should calm down and remain peaceful. We should thank the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS, and the Commandant of the NSCDC. Our goal is to remain calm and peaceful,” Amaechi stated.
During his address, he criticised the country’s worsening economic situation, linking hardship and hunger to public demand for accountability.
“We are marching to Aso Rock. What I do may not put food on your table, but the truth is that we are hungry. If you are not hungry, tell them that I am hungry. People are dying every day because of hunger, yet a few individuals are stealing our money and expect us to keep quiet. We can no longer keep quiet,” he said.
Amaechi called on ADC supporters to register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that a strong membership would help shield the party from intimidation.
“The more we are, the more difficult it will be for them to intimidate us. Let the people choose who they want. What democracy provides is an opportunity for the people to decide who the right leaders are,” he added.
He further challenged the current administration to match the tangible projects completed during his tenure as Minister of Transportation.
“I was minister of transportation, and I can show you evidence of what I did. Let this government show one thing it has done, either in the North or in the South,” he said, urging Rivers state residents to remain politically active as the 2027 elections approach.
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