A Local Government chairmanship candidate for Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Dr Emeka Eze escaped death by whiskers Thursday night after his car was attacked by unknown persons believed to be assassins. Eze was in the company of his wife and his driver when his vehicle was attacked at about 8p.m along park road in G.R.A, Onitsha.
Eze described the “sudden attempt to kill me” as politically motivated and called on the Inspector General of Police to provide him with personal security. Eze who is the coordinator of the committee
of councillorship candidates in Anambra State who gave Governor Chris Ngige ten days ultimatum to conduct Local Government election, and who has vigorously defended the PDP list of candidates being disputed by Governor Chris Ngige, said however, that the incident would not deter him from pursuing his ambition of becoming the chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Council.
Though he did not pin-point any body for attack, he was emphatic that it was politically motivated. He was not however, unmindful of verbal attacks launched by a group, Idemili Action Movement, which supports Governor Ngige’s government, which has been carrying media attack against him.
According to Eze, “yesterday (Thursday) I went to see a friend of mine who lives in G.R.A to see his wife who had a new baby. On our way about 7.30p.m, opposite Igwe John Emeka’s house, we noticed a man in dark coloured cap and light red t-shirt on a motorcycle (carried by a motorcyclist). They approached our vehicle very closely.
However, on our way back at about 8p.m on park road, barely crossing Senator Anah’s house, the same persons passed us, and went straight ahead of us. As we approached, we got to a bump, the next thing we heard was a shot. The driver was the target, apparently they thought I was driving. The driver accelerated and they pursued us. “As soon as I got home, I called the police Area Commander, Mr Dennis Anyagafu who dispatched his men to my house and he provided security for my family that night.
“It is a calculated assassination attempt that failed by the grace of God. I have been a victim of armed robbery attack, so it was not a case of armed robbery attack. It is a preposterous situation. I called this press conference to tell Nigerians that my life is not safe.
Some people somewhere want to terminate my life,not only my life but the life of my wife and my children.
“I call on the security agencies to protect my lifebecause my life is at stake. I want this to be taken seriously. I am appealing for a personal security from
the Inspector General of police.
“I am scared. I am unsafe. My safety is not assured.The security paraphernalia of this country should cometo my aid. I am quite unsure of where to point at,that is why I am scared. It could come from within PDP
itself. I have my suspicion from a large angle,definitely I know it was politically motivated”, Ezesaid beside the bullet-ridden car.
The Onitsha Police Area Commander, Mr. DennisAnyagafu confirmed that Eze reported the incident to the police. Anyagafu said he dispatched his men to his house that night who went to see the car. He also said that they provided him security that night.
Anyagafu however said the police have not seen any bullet as to confirm whether the attack was from assassins or armed robbers. He said that he has
directed investigation into the incident.
