Presidential hopeful and former Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has kickstarted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership registration in Rivers State in spite of attacks on the ADC secretariat in his hometown, Ubima, prior to his arrival, and subsequent attacks on his convoy.
In the early hours of Friday, the ADC Secretariat in Ubima was attacked and completely set ablaze while Amaechi’s family house, which is very close to the ADC office was attacked with heavy gun fire.
Speaking to the crowd of supporters after his registration, on Friday, Amaechi hailed the security agencies for their prompt response to the attacks, and enjoined Rivers people not to be violent or attempt any reprisal attacks as it may lead to loss of lives.
“I want to start by sympathising with our landlord (at the ADC secretariat, Ubima), and also sympathise with members of the Ubima Ward, which is Ward 8 in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
“Don’t be violent, as violence may lead to death, but at the same time, they can’t stop us from meeting in our communities,” Amaechi said.
While expressing appreciation to the security agencies for their show of support, Amaechi also urged them to ensure that criminal acts like these should not be allowed to fester, and those involved in these acts of violence should be prosecuted.
“I thank the commissioner of police, and the director of SSS. They showed a lot of professionalism immediately I made contact with them, in fact I wasn’t expecting that level of cooperation. They showed a lot of support. The Police came out, the DSS came out, and the NSCDC, so we’re grateful to them. But they must also know that this cannot continue. They must prosecute those involved in this crime.
“I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of not protecting the lives of people. People begin to protect their lives by themselves because they want to stay alive. But for now, everybody should calm down.
“Our role is to be calm, be peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction. What they are doing will not put food on your table. Tell them we are hungry. People are dropping dead everyday because of hunger, and some few persons are stealing our money, and they say we should keep quiet. We can no longer keep quiet.
“ADC Rivers State must register enmasse. We must make sure that we have enough numbers to surprise them. On Election Day, they will know whether we will vote or not,” he stated.
After the attack on the ADC Ubima Secretariat early on Friday morning by some criminal elements, following reports that Amaechi would be at Ubima for the flag off of the ADC membership registration in Rivers State, a further attack was orchestrated on Amaechi’s convoy in an attempt to prevent and hinder him from carrying out the exercise.
The assailants exchanged gunfire with security agents accompanying Amaechi to Ubima and succumbed to the superior fire of the security agents. The attackers are said to be known agents of a former governor of the state.
