The management and staff of Port Harcourt-based tabloid, National Network, have unequivocally condemned the assassination attempt, o Tuesday, December 22, on its Publisher, Pastor Jerry Needam. They called on the security agencies “to urgently deploy all their security apparatus in tracking down sponsors and all those involved in the dastardly act.”

A statement signed by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Chris Konkwo, said: “National Network notes with solemn concern the seeming unabated lethal attacks on its Publisher, Pst. Needam, and family, recalling that the latest incident was the third in the series of such assassination efforts on him, apparently indicating political undertone in all of it.

“We are not unaware of the prominent role Pst. Needam, as a media professional, has been and is playing in the life of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, leading to the success of the party. This role, to us, has helped in repositioning our democracy and electoral system, particularly, giving a constructive voice to a party as an opposition at the centre and a leading party in the state.

“Rather than making efforts to silence him and others who play similar roles in the nation’s political dispensation, thereby depriving the people of the state and the nation the opportunity of knowing the truth in the political development in the state, we believe he deserves to be encouraged, supported and protected by the people, the various political parties, the government and the security agencies.

“While commending the gallant efforts of the Police in averting the planned wiping of Pst. Needam’s entire household by hired assassins, we heartily pay our condolences to the State Police Command and the entire Nigeria Police Force for the killing of three of their men, including an ASP during a sporadic gun battle with the gunmen on their prompt response to a distress call.

“We are also concerned over the undeserving plight of our Publisher and family members, wishing them God’s protection and guidance, trusting God never to allow similar incident on him and other innocent citizens of our State and nation.

“Once again, we urge the Police and other security agencies to redouble their efforts in the investigation of the incident and to bring the culprits to book urgently.”

•Photo shows National Network Publisher,Jerry Needam.