Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, narrowly escaped harm on Friday when suspected gunmen opened fire on his convoy while he arrived to register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Eyewitnesses reported that gunshots rang out in the Ubima community, causing panic among residents and supporters. Security personnel quickly intervened, restoring calm and preventing escalation, allowing Amaechi to complete his registration before addressing the crowd.
Speaking after the incident, Amaechi praised the swift response of the Rivers State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted to prevent future attacks.
“They must show that this will not continue by prosecuting those involved. When people feel unprotected, they may defend themselves,” he said.
Amaechi also used the occasion to highlight worsening economic conditions, stating that hunger and hardship are driving citizens to demand accountability from government officials.
He urged supporters to register en masse for the 2027 general elections to strengthen the ADC’s influence, saying:”The more we are, the harder it will be for them to intimidate us.
”Democracy allows the people to decide who the right leaders are.”
He challenged the current administration to demonstrate concrete achievements comparable to projects executed during his tenure as Minister of Transportation, emphasising the importance of active political participation for Rivers State residents.
The incident marks a tense moment in Rivers State politics, but Amaechi’s measured response and call for calm aim to prevent further escalation.
