25th March, 2016
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State paid a condolence visit to the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig. Gen. Johnson Bamidele, on the unfortunate death of a corps member, Samuel Dumebi Okonta, who was killed in Rivers State at the recent National Assembly and State House of Assembly re-run polls.
The APC delegation which was led by Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and APC governorship candidate at the last general elections in Rivers State was received by the Director, Corps Welfare, Mrs. Rhode Kwaki and other directors and staff of the NYSC.
Speaking on behalf of the APC delegation, Dr. Peterside said they were at the NYSC headquarters to condole with the DG of NYSC, staff and the family of the deceased. “We are pained at this irreparable loss and more pained that it happened in our dear state. It is a shame on our country and we feel that sense of loss like you. Our prayers are with you and the Samuel Okonta family,” he said.
Dr. Peterside berated governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike for threatening INEC officials before the elections, a situation that eventually led to the avoidable death of Okonta, an orphan.
He described corps member, Samuel Okonta, as a victim of the governor’s hate speeches and viciousness, adding that, the late corps member was a young man with dreams and patriotism who demonstrated his desire to contribute his quota to the development of our dear country. “This country will remember him for a long time to come”.
The NIMASA D-G however, promised that the APC in Rivers State will join hands with the NYSC to bring an end to these recurring violence and deaths of young Nigerians, insisting that elections should not be avenues for people to lose their lives.
Mrs. Rhode Kwaki who represented the DG NYSC, thanked the APC delegation for the visit.
She said the NYSC was saddened by the loss of Samuel Okonta but is now encouraged by the support and show of solidarity by the APC Rivers state.
Others on the delegation included APC Chairman, Rivers State, Dr. Ikanya Davies; deputy governorship candidate of APC in the last general election, Hon. Honourable Asita and other party faithful.