• PDP leads
From Chris Anucha, Tony John, Port Harcourt
THE Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the APC governorship candidate in 2015 election yesterday claimed he escaped death by the whisker. He alleged that his vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two utility vehicles.
Dr. Peterside, the state Chairman of the APC, Dr. Davies Ikanya and the deputy governorship candidate, H.O. Asita were reportedly attacked along the Airport Road.
According to a source, the NIMASA boss was in his car with Ikanya and Asita. When they got to the UTC Junction, the gunmen who were said to be trailing them opened fire on his car.
He was said to have quickly made a detour to the DSS office gate for safety but the gunmen pursued him and opened fire again at the DSS men on guard.
A statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to Dakuku, Sylvester Asoya quoted him as saying: “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.”
Meanwhile, Forces Avenue, Old GRA where the assassination attempt took place was cordoned off and more security men drafted to the area. When Daily Sun visited there, no vehicle was allowed in and out of the area.
Briefing newsmen at the Government House yesterday, Governor Wike confirmed the heavy shootout near DSS office.
He condemned the desperation exhibited by some politicians, saying it was not in the interest of the state.
Efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Ahmad Muhamad proved abortive. He also did not reply the SMS sent to him.
Meanwhile, result of Saturday’s rerun showed that PDP was leading, having won in nine LGAs – Akuku-Toru Constituency 1, Major Jack of PDP defeated Inye Jack in Obio/ Akpor Constituency 1 Martins Amaewhule of PDP defeated Colin Ordu of APC, while in Obio/Akpor 2, Michael Chinda of PDP defeated Belief Wali A. of APC.
In ONELGA Constituency, Christopher Ahiakwor of PDP defeated Gift Wokocha, in Omuma Kelechi Worgu defeated Leo Anyanwu of APC, while in Degema, Doctor Farah Dagogo, defeated Eldred of APC. Also, in Ahoada East 2, Edison Ehiye of PDP defeated Hon Nwuche Ibiso while in Ahoada East 1, Martins Manna of PDP defeated Barr Eric Apia of APC.
In Emohua Constituency. Sam Oge of PDP defeated Chidi Lloyd of APC.
However, INEC has suspended elections in additional two local government areas, namely Etche and Asari-Toru council areas.
A statement issued yesterday by State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Aniedi Ikoiwak, said the suspension became necessary, following disturbances and violence that impeded the electoral process.
Ikoiwak stressed: “Please note, this suspension of the re-run elections by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is necessitated by the need to forestall breakdown of law and order, or loss of lives and property in the event of further aggravation of crisis.
“Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to put all stakeholders on notice that we are still studying the situation in the other 15 local government areas of Rivers State, where collation or results are currently going on”, the REC stated.