The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State has 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 Okonta. Okonta, an orphan, was killed in Rivers State by gunmen during the recent bad-bloodied National Assembly and State House of Assembly re-run elections.
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 during the visit, Dr. Peterside said the visit by APC at the NYSC headquarters was to condole with the DG, staff of NYSC 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’, Peterside said.
Dr. Peterside berated Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for threatening INEC officials before the elections, a situation he noted, eventually led to the avoidable death of Okonta. He described Okonta as a victim of the governor’s hate speeches and viciousness. Peterside described late Okonta a young man who had dreams and patriotism demonstrated in his desire to contribute his quota to the development of the country. “This country will remember him for a long time to come”, Peterside added
The NIMASA D-G however, promised that the APC in Rivers State will join hands with the NYSC to bring an end to recurring violence and deaths of young Nigerians, insisting that elections should not be avenues for people to lose their lives.
Mrs. Kwaki, who represented Brig.-Gen. Bamidele, thanked the APC delegation for the visit. She said NYSC was saddened by the loss of Samuel Okonta but had been encouraged by the support and show of solidarity by the APC in Rivers State.
Others on the delegation included APC State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya; Deputy Governorship candidate of APC in the last general election, Hon. Honourable Asita, as well as other party faithful.
