The convoy of Rotimi Amaechi, a former Governor of Rivers State and ex-minister of transportation, was attacked by armed men on Friday while travelling along the Ubima–Omuanwa road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Amaechi was heading to his hometown of Ubima to officially register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) when the incident occurred.
Reports indicate that gunmen attempted to ambush the convoy, but security personnel attached to the former Governor engaged the attackers and prevented them from carrying out the assault.
The attack came hours after violence was reported in the same community. Earlier on Friday, unidentified individuals reportedly set part of the ADC office in Ubima on fire and also attacked the residence belonging to Amaechi’s family.
Despite the security scare, the former Governor proceeded with his visit and completed his registration on the party’s digital membership platform at his ward. Speaking afterwards, he praised the security operatives for responding quickly and stopping the attackers from harming anyone in his convoy. He also urged law enforcement authorities to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.
Amaechi warned his supporters not to retaliate over the incident, stressing that violence would not derail his political activities or engagement with members of the party.
“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,” he said.
“Tell them we are hungry. People are dropping dead every day because of hunger, and a few people are stealing our money, and they say we should keep quiet. We can no longer keep quiet.”
The former Governor also called on residents of Rivers State to join the ADC, urging them to register as party members so they can participate in the party’s primary election and support his political ambition.
