Gunmen reportedly attacked the convoy of former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Friday shortly after he arrived to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Witnesses said indiscriminate gunshots rang out in parts of the Ubima community as Amaechi’s convoy approached the registration venue, causing panic among residents and supporters who had gathered for the event. Security operatives quickly intervened to restore calm and prevent the situation from escalating.
Despite the attack, Amaechi proceeded with the registration exercise in his hometown and later addressed supporters and residents. The Rivers State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the incident.
Speaking after the event, the former governor condemned the attack but praised security agencies for their swift and professional response. He specifically commended operatives of the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
“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,” Amaechi 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 stressed that those responsible for the attack must be identified and prosecuted to prevent a recurrence. “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 warned.
He also appealed to 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,” he said.
Amaechi criticises economic hardship
During his speech, Amaechi also criticised the country’s worsening economic situation, saying hunger and hardship have compelled citizens to demand accountability from those in power.
“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.
He urged ADC supporters to mobilise and register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the party’s strength depends on the size of its membership. “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.
Amaechi also challenged the current administration to present tangible achievements comparable to projects executed 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 engaged and actively participate in the democratic process as the country approaches the next general election.
