How I Was Attacked By Gunmen In Gov. Wike's Aide Jeep - Dakuku Peterside

The Department of State Services, DSS, has foiled an assassination attempt on the life of the Director General of NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside.

Heavily armed men suspected to be thugs loyal to a political party engaged the DSS in a gun-battle at UTC Junction, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

One of the DSS officers, who is assigned to Dakuku Peterside (name withheld) was hit in the leg.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has confirmed the incident, disclosing that he “narrowly escaped death this afternoon after his vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two utility vehicles on his way from the Port Harcourt International Airport.”

A statement signed by Sylvester Asoya, his Special Assistant on Media noted that “Peterside who was in his car with Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Rivers State All Progressives Congress, APC Chairman and Hon H.O. Asita, Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in April 2015 election said they escaped the assassins bullets by a stroke of luck.

“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 was now evident that the governor wanted to kill him and that he was prepared to do everything possible to eliminate him.

Buhari Appoints Dakuku Peretside As NIMASA DG

DAKUKU PETERSIDE

The Federal Government on Thursday appointed Dr Dakuku Peterside as the Director General of Nigerian Maritime administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

 A statement signed by Yetunde Sonaike, the Director, Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation in Abuja said that the appointment was with immediate effect. Peterside was the governorship candidate of APC in April.11, 2015 governorship election in River state and also a former member, House of Representative from 2011 to 2015.

 According to the statement, Peterside has a Doctorate Degree in Management Science from the University of Port Harcourt and MBA in Business Administration. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.MLS) in Hematology from Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

 In Nigeria’s House of Representative, Dakuku Peterside has earned a reputation as a charismatic and disciplined leader, creative and hardworking legislator who is broad minded with strategic insight. He brings integrity, compassion, pro-poor perspective and intellectual dimension to bear in tackling tough national issues. His loyalty to friendship and bridge building skills are remarkable.

Hon Peterside is widely respected as an achiever and a strong voice for the House on national issues. He is a regular commentator in Nigeria’s leading media outfits. In his home state, Rivers he is respected as one of the most result oriented, meticulous, consistent, trustworthy and God fearing political leaders.

In all public offices he has held he has brought innovation to bear and made remarkable impact that has endeared him to his fellow compatriots. He is a role model and mentor to several young persons, who look upto him for inspiration. He has at various times turned down at least fourteen chieftancy titles, several honourary doctorate degrees and awards rather believing in the people as a reason for service.

Dakuku Peterside, Amaopusenibo of Opobo kingdom was elected to represent Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro area in the House of Representatives in 2011. In the House he serves as chairman of the strategic Petroleum Resources (Downstream) committee that oversees the management of the key driver of Nigeria’s economy (Petroleum Industry).

Dakuku also serves in the House most important committees of Anti-corruption, National ethics and values; Drugs, Narcotics and Financial crimes; Co-operation and integration in Africa, Electoral matters; Industry; Communications and Works. He is a well known champion of reform and strengthening of institutions as key to unlocking development potentials.

Outside the chambers of House of Representatives he is an international Resource person on oil and gas matters and a leading leadership/management scholar and speaker. Dakuku speaks in conferences around the world. He is respected as an Authority in corporate political strategy and Business-Govt interaction in Nigeria. Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Dakuku served twice as Rivers State Commissioner for works (2007-2011) where he anchored Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s phenomenal transformation of Roads and Infrastructural landscape of Rivers State; He concurrently served on the Board of Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority (GPHCDA).

Before serving as Rivers State Commissioner of works, he served as Executive Director of Development and Leadership Institute (DLI) between the year 2005 and 2007, Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Rivers State on Works (2003-2005) Chairman Opobo-Nkoro LGA (2002-2003).

As LGA chairman he was declared the most outstanding chairman by the then State Governor of Rivers State. He previously served as Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Youth and Student affairs and concurrently as a member of Board, Centre for Black and African arts and civilisation (CBAAC), A Federal Government arts and research establishment.

A native of Biriye, Opobo Kingdom. Dakuku attended Okrika Grammer School (OGS), University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, University of Port Harcourt, Georgia State University Atlanta and is also an alumnus of Harvard-Kennedy school, University of Harvard. He earned degrees in Medical Laboratory Sciences (Haematology), Business administration (Management) and certificates in leadership and Project management respectively. He has attended several oil and gas courses globally.

The Honourable is a member of Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), fellow of Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria (IMCN) and member, Institute of Medical Laboratory Sciences of Nigeria.

Dakuku is married to Elima, a lawyer and they are blessed with three children, Soba, Belema and Miebi. He is a committed Christian who believes his relationship with Jesus Christ is what gives meaning to life.