TheCable

Thugs believed to be loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday “opened fire” on the convoy of Rotimi Amaechi, governor of Rivers state, during a campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obi Akpor local government area of the state.

The decision of the governor to end his campaign for the presidential election in the community, which is the home town of Nyesom Wike, the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state, did not apparently go down well with the attackers.

David Iyiofor, Amaechi’s chief press secretary, told TheCable that the hoodlums set up bonfires to prevent the governor from leaving the area.

“This evening, PDP thugs fired gunshots at the governor in Rumuolumeni, Obi Akpor local government area,” Iyiofor said.

“The thugs had initially attacked the governor and his entourage with bottles, stones and various dangerous objects and two APC supporters have been confirmed bloodied.

“As he made to leave the community, more gunshots were fired at his convoy.”

When contacted, Ahmad Muhammad, public relations officer of the Rivers state police command, said a statement would be issued in that regard.

“We will issue a statement in due course,” he told TheCable

Rivers has recorded the highest rate of electoral violence in the build-up to the general election.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state seems to be fully prepared for Saturday’s election.

When our correspondent visited the head office of the commission at Aba road in Port Harcourt, electoral materials which had the inscriptions of different local government areas, were seen.

Stern looking mobile policemen were also found within and outside the premises, as INEC officials held series of meetings.

Findings from some of the residents established the fact that the state would be a battle ground during the poll.

However, the movement of residents from the town led to unusual traffic in Choba, Rumola, Artillery Road, Airforce, Mile One, Waterlines and some other parts of the city.