Suspected gunmen on Friday reportedly attacked the convoy of former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi shortly after he arrived to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Witnesses said sporadic gunshots were heard across parts of the Ubima community as the former minister’s convoy approached the registration venue, creating panic among residents and supporters who had gathered for the event.
Security operatives were reported to have moved in swiftly to restore calm, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Despite the incident, Amaechi proceeded with the registration exercise in his hometown before addressing supporters and residents.
The Rivers State Police Command had not issued an official response to the attack as of the time of filing this report.
Speaking after the event, Amaechi condemned the attack but praised security agencies for their quick intervention and professionalism in managing the situation.
The former governor noted that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) responded promptly and helped stabilise the environment.
“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,” he 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, however, insisted that those responsible for the attack must be identified and prosecuted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“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,” Amaechi said.
He also appealed to residents and supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could further heighten tensions in the area.
“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 stated.
During the event, Amaechi also used the opportunity to criticise the current economic situation in the country, linking worsening hardship and hunger to growing public frustration with political leadership.
“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.
The former minister urged supporters of the ADC to mobilise and register in large numbers ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the strength of the party would depend heavily 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 said.
Amaechi also challenged the current administration to present achievements comparable to projects carried out 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,” the former governor said.
He concluded by urging residents of Rivers State to remain politically active and participate in the democratic process as the country moves closer to the next general election.
What you should know
Rotimi Amaechi is a prominent Nigerian politician who served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 before becoming Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Known for his strong political influence in Rivers State, Amaechi has recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress as opposition forces position themselves ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
His move to the ADC is seen as part of a broader effort by opposition leaders to challenge the ruling establishment in the upcoming polls.
