Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) last night alleged an attempt on his life as well as that of Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, and Hon H.O. Asita, Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in April 2015.

The trio “narrowly escaped death” Sunday afternoon after Peterside’s vehicle “was attacked by gunmen in two utility vehicles on his way from the Port Harcourt International Airport,” his Special Assistant (Media) Sylvester Asoya said. The three men “escaped the assassins bullets by a stroke of luck,” Asoya said.

He added in a statement: “Two Jeeps belonging to Emeka Woke, Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff carrying two unknown gunmen trailed us to UTC Junction and opened fire on my car. Our car however did a detour to the DSS office gate where we drove to seek refuge but the unknown gunmen opened fire again at the SSS men on guard.

“The exchange of fire between the DSS men and the assailants lasted for more than 30 minutes. This is a very ugly experience but I thank God that my colleagues and I escaped unhurt”.

“Today’s experience is not only terrifying but also shows the parlous state of security in Rivers State. If I can be engaged openly by gunmen for nearly an hour in the heart of Port Harcourt, only God knows the fate that will befall members of our party and those sympathetic to our predicament. What is happening today in our dear state is not only horrible but also constitutes serious national security risk.”

Peterside who was Wike’s opponent in last year’s governorship election in Rivers State added that it is now evident that the governor wants to kill him and that he is prepared to do everything possible to eliminate him.

•Photo shows Peterside.