Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi AmaechiFormer Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has called for an investigation into the attack on his convoy by armed men.
Bellnews reports that armed thugs on Friday attacked the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, while he was on his way to register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in his Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Before Amaechi arrived in his community at around 12:15pm, suspected thugs had already mounted a roadblock, turning back buses identified as carrying ADC members.
The thugs had on Thursday night set ablaze the ward office of the ADC in Ubima.
When the former governor was about to enter his community, the armed thugs opened fire on his convoy, but security operatives in his team engaged the attackers.
It was gathered that the armed thugs fled as they could not withstand the firepower of Amaechi’s security details.
Speaking on the development after touring the burnt party office, the former minister praised the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their swift intervention during the attack on his convoy.
He, however, insisted that the situation must not repeat itself, adding that those responsible must be prosecuted.
“But they must also know that this cannot continue. The way they will show us that this cannot continue is that they must prosecute those who are involved in this crime,” he said.
Amaechi urged the state governor to make efforts to provide adequate security across the state to avert anarchy.
He encouraged party members to commence massive mobilisation, adding that the ultimate target was the presidency.
“I have been a governor, and I know the consequences of not protecting the lives of people. The people will begin to protect their lives themselves because they don’t want to die.
“Our role is to remain calm and 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. We are hungry. If you are not hungry, tell them I am hungry. People are dropping dead every day because of hunger. A few people are stealing our money, and they say we should keep quiet.
“We can no longer keep quiet. ADC Rivers State, you must register en masse. You must make sure that we have enough members to surprise them. On election day, they will know whether we will vote or not,” he said.