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  • Royal endorsement for Peterside in Ikwere

    Royal endorsement for Peterside in Ikwere

    The endorsement of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, by traditional rulers in Ikwerre may have changed the geo-political calculation, ahead of the polls. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    In Rivers State, ethnicity is a factor. Thus, many people believe that it will be a major issue during the governorship election.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Nyesom Wike, is Ikwere. The All Progressives Congress (APC flag beraer, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, is from the lowland area.

    However, it appears that there is limitation to how far ethnicity can shape the process. A pointer to this was the decision of the  Ikwerre Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers to endorse Peterside for governor. The monarchs explained that they took the decision in the spirit of equity and justice.

    The APC candidate got the endorsement, following his visit to the monarchs.

    Wike, the former Minister of State for Education, is said to have the backing of the Presidency, particularly the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

    The monarchs are from four Ikwerre local government areas of Obio/Akpor, Port-Harcourt, Emohua and Ikwerre. They urged their subjects to vote for Peterside. saying that he is a good candidate.

    In the view of their traditional rulers, power rotation will contribute to the unity of the state and give every ethnic group a sense of belonging. They reasoned that, since Ikwere has enjoyed the slot for eight years, power should shift to the riverine area, which backed Governor Rotimi Amaechi for the slot, seven and half years ago.

    Peterside told the monarchs that they have an important role to play in governance. He said: “Ikwere as an ethnic nationality has a very critical role to play at this point in the life of Rivers State. As custodians of Ikwere culture and value system, we want you to lend your voice of reason so that people can take the right path.”

    The riverine people have not relented in their agitation for power shift. Peterside justified the clamour during his visit to the monarchs. He said the agitation is not peculiar to Rivers State.

    Rivers State is divided into the upland and riverine areas. Since 1999, the upland people have been producing the governors. Thus,  Peterside’s victory is expected to be a victory for fairness, equity and justice.

    When the state was created, the elders sealed an informal agreement that the governorship slot will rotate between the two divides.

    Reflecting on the agitation for power shift, former PDP governorship aspirant Fafaa Dan-Princewill said: “In 1999, I was a founding member of the PDP. I could not contest for the governor in 1999 because it was zoned outside the riverine area. Chief Odili became governor and it was expected that, after eight years of his rule, it would revert to the riverine area.

    “But, that again didn’t happen and we had Celestine Omehia for a short period and now Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Which means at the end of this tenure, it would have been 16 years for the upland group.”

    The PDP chieftain said that any party that is indifferent to the agitation may incur the wrath of voters.  Dan-princewill added: “I cannot speak for what the Ijaws or riverine people would do. But,  I would not be surprised, if the backlash is heavy because it is a very controversial issue. The level of agitation today indicates that it could lead to serious backlash for the party.”

    The APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, said Amaechi supported zoning to avoid public anger. He stressed: “Rivers State APC was divinely set up to address three principal injustices visited on Rivers State. One of them is the unjust situation whereby the riverine area has not occupied the seat of power since 1999. After the eight years of Dr. Peter Odili and the eight years of Amaechi, who are from the upland section, it is important that the next governor should come from the ruiverine area.”

    Peterside was not the only aspirant from the riverine area. Senator Magnus Abe, Mr. Tele Ikuru, and Mr. George Feyi, were in the race. But, Ikanya explained that, although all of them were qualified, Peterside was chosen   because “he is a symbol of unity of the Ogoni, riverine and upland sections of the state.”

    In the PDP, Wike has conveyed the impression that only his candidature could make the party to bounce back. But, contrary to the PDP’s calculation, it appears that the party is losing grassroots support.

    At the endorsement ceremony, a community leader,  Eze Orlu Oriebe, described Peterside as a bridge of unity and harmony. “You are the only governorship candidate who saw the need to visit the traditional council,and  you realised that you cannot go out there to tell our people anything without paying homage, ” he said.

    Apart from the royal blessing, there are other factors in favour of Peterside. Since he has been endorsed by Amaechi, he enjoys the power of incumbency. The governor’s  insistence on power rotation is an added advantage to Peterside’s aspiration. But, the flag bearer’s personality also counts.

    According to the monarchs, who referred to him as “His Excellency-in-waiting,” Peterside is humble and pleasant. They also perceived him as a non-controversial figure.

  • ‘Amaechi, Peterside have liberated us’

    The people of Okuru-Ama,  Phalga Local Government Area of Rivers State, have commended Governor Rotimi Amaechi and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Dakuku Peterside, for their commitment towards the liberation of their community.

    The community noted that the two politicians have brought peace and development to the town.

    A community leader,  Thompson Douglas, described Amaechi and Peterside as instruments of change and stability, adding that the people are appreciative of their outstanding roles in Okuru-Ama. He spoke at a reception for Peterside hosted by the community.

    He thanked them the governor and the legislator for liberating the community from hardship, intimidation, and marginalisation. Douglas said that the community regained its sense of belonging under the Amaechi Administration.

    He added: “Before our son came and became the governor of Rivers State on October 27, 2007, we were direct casualties of the calamity that befell this community. Do we want to go back to that era of killings?

    “Amaechi, for the love of this community, brought in the bulldozers under the supervision of our own able brother, Peterside. Even, when our brothers and sisters turned their backs on us, Amaechi and Peterside made a difference. They stood by us. So, we will continue to support men and women of honour like them who work for society. We will never be intimidated again because we have been liberated. Never again will any son or daughter of  Okuru-Ama be intimidated. The Dakuku I served as Commissioner of Works, the Dakuku, whose house I lived in Opobo when Okuru-Ama was destroyed, is a man that fears God and loves our community greatly.”

    Douglas said, apart from building and rehabilitating major roads in Okuru-Ama, Peterside, who also attended OkrikaGrammer School,  is conversanty with the problems and yearnings of Okuru-Ama. He therefore, called on the people to support him in next month’s election.

    The APC candidate, who was accompanied by friends and chieftains of his party, assured the people of his willingness to consolidate on the gains of the Amaechi Administration in the community. He charged them to be peaceful and law-abiding, adding that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of crisis.

    Peterside urged the people to  collect their permanent voter’s cards, stressing that they are the keys to change.

    He said the radical transformation under this administration can only be sustained and improved upon by voting the APC at  the elections.

  • ‘Etche is 100 per cent for Peterside’

    ‘Etche is 100 per cent for Peterside’

    A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Ambrose Nwuzi, has said whatever remains of the party in the area has been given to the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his defection.

    Nwuzi, who defected with his supporters to APC, pledged to work for the party and its candidates in the February elections.

    He spoke at the weekend at the State School in Okehi during APC mega rally.

    The event brought together party faithful and Etche sons and daughters.

    Nwuzi said: “There is no more opposition in Etche. Everybody has now joined the APC. I think it is in our best interest. Nobody needs a prophet to know the party that will be victorious at the polls here. We in Rivers State must key into this movement called the APC. More so, we are not ready to go back to the Dark Age that was characterised by impunity and underdevelopment. We have joined the APC and we are happy here.”

    The party chieftain described Peterside as a well prepared candidate.

    He urged the people to reject those who planned to take power by force.

    Nwuzi stressed that the desperation of the PDP should worry every right-thinking resident of the state.

    He described the APC candidate as a stable and forthright person with clear fear of God.

    Nwizu urged the people to support Peterside because the APC candidate was the only one who could be accountable to the people of Rivers State, if they voted for him.

  • My support for Peterside is total, says Abe

    My support for Peterside is total, says Abe

    he Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Rivers South East Senatorial candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said his support for the party’s governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside is total.

    Abe said Peterside remained the best governorship candidate. He spoke at Oyigbo Local Government Area Secretariat during an APC rally, which attracted members and supporters across Oyigbo.

    “In Rivers State, we have made up our minds, our next governor is Dr. Dakuku Peterside. My name is Magnus Ngei Abe and I am supporting Dr. Dakuku Peterside 100 per cent. That matter is settled and I have my reasons why I am supporting him.

    “The first reason is that I know him. With Dr. Peterside, Rivers State is safe; the state will be in safe and competent hands. We have a governor we can talk to and he will listen to us because he is our friend and brother. Therefore, the issue of governorship in Rivers State is settled.

    “Then there is also the issue of equity. We cannot have Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as governor for eight years and then another Ikwerre man for another eight years. The name of this state is Rivers State; it belongs to all of us.

    “Power must move round. If it does not move round, it will not get to other people. We are going to use our votes to move power away from Ikwerre.

    “The third reason is that with Dr Peterside we are sure he will consolidate on the achievements of Governor Amaechi. Other persons who are in this race will destroy all we have laboured to build these years because of ego, pride and selfishness.”

    Rivers APC Chairman Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya called on Nigerians to punish the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the party’s 16-year misrule in Nigeria.

    According to Ikanya, the PDP represents retrogression, poverty, corruption, underdevelopment and an ugly past that must be changed “if we hope to make progress as a country.”

    He warned that the February elections are too important to be decided on reasons of tribal sentiments and emotions. He said Nigeria and Rivers State had suffered neglect and intimidation under PDP’s incompetent rulers.

    “We must ignore their propaganda. We must vote for General Buhari, Peterside and all our candidates because our liberation begins with them.”

  • Transporters endorse Peterside

    Transporters endorse Peterside

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State Dr. Dakuku Peterside has received the endorsement of the Keke Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (KORAN).

    Peterside visited the riders at Elelenwo, Port Harcourt. He said his government would pay special attention to the needs of KORAN because the association is engaging idle hands.

    “Your job is very important to us because without you there would have been serious transport chaos in our communities. Keke gives over 5,000 persons job. If these jobs were not available, this probably would have translated to 5,000 idle hands and we all know the consequences. I know that some of you are graduates, yet you have decided to do this job to help yourselves and your families so that you can stay off crime.

    “I will assist you because I know you have challenges. When we come to government in May, we will sit with you and tackle all the challenges.”

    On security, the APC candidate said his government would work with unions, such as KORAN, to ensure that life and property are secure. Peterside promised to strengthen existing microfinance agencies so that KORAN members can obtain loans, invest in other forms of business and live a more meaningful life.

  • Peterside promises Garden City Equity Fund

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, has said he will set up the Garden City Equity Fund to support small and medium scale businesses, if elected.

    Peterside, a member of the House of Representatives, spoke yesterday when he visited the traders at the Building Materials (Steel) Market at Iriebe, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

    The Rivers APC’s governorship candidate also stated that traders and other small business owners could access up to N10 million from the special fund.

    The 44-year-old governorship candidate said: “The Garden City Equity Fund is to support small businesses. If the union (traders’ union) can guarantee you, you will approach the government.

    “You have to get 10 persons to sign for you and you will collect small money from the fund. You can collect N500,000, N1 million, N2 million, N5 million or N10 million. It has a one digit interest.”

    Peterside also stated that if elected as governor on February 28,  he would not encourage multiple taxation in line with the aspirations of Governor Rotimi Amaechi and would upgrade the steel market to make it conducive for the traders.

    He assured that the incoming APC-led government in Rivers would focus on creating employment and growing the economy, stressing that unemployment breeds criminality.

    Monarchs in Oyigbo Local Government Area urged Peterside not to scrap the scholarship programmes initiated by the Amaechi’s administration, if elected governor.

    The Oyigbo Area Council of Traditional Rulers (OYACTR) also stated that the sustenance of the scholarship programmes of the Amaechi’s administration, especially those sponsored by the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), would help in the academic growth of the people of Oyigbo.

    Chairman of OYACTREze Silvanus Nwaeke spoke yesterday when Peterside and members of his campaign team visited the palace at Obeakpu-Ndoki in Oyigbo Local Government Area.

    Nwaeke, through his deputy, Eze Mike Nwaji, expressed happiness that the governorship of the state is coming to the Rivers Southeast senatorial district since the creation of the state on May 27, 1967.

  • Why Peterside is good for Ogoni, Rivers, by Magnus Abe

    Why Peterside is good for Ogoni, Rivers, by Magnus Abe

    Senator Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers South East Senatorial District, has said the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside,  will better serve the interest of Ogoni and other ethnic nationalities as a vote for the Ogoni and every part of Rivers State that is yet to produce a governor.

    He spoke at the APC rally in Nonwa-Tai at the weekend.

    Abe, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream),  said: “The issues of Riverine and Ogoni are the hottest concern of this election. Therefore, if Peterside, a Riverine man from Opobo, is voted in, then the other issue which is the Ogoni question would be settled in the near future.

    Abe said:  “I will vote for my younger brother, my own person, the candidate I know, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside and I have my reasons. First is that this election is about the future of Rivers State. No matter what you feel, no matter how you view it, 2015 elections will raise issues of equity for Rivers State. How are we dealing with issues of justice among other component parts of the state that make up Rivers State?

    “The 2015 election raised two major issues of justice and equity. The second question that was raised is the Ogoni issue for justice and equity.

    “In 2015, we must answer one of those questions. We cannot go into an election that does not answer one of these questions around equity and justice in Rivers State. If you are an Ogoni son and you want to see an Ogoni governor in your life time, please vote for Dakuku. If you don’t vote for Dakuku, when the next man comes, all the issues of Riverine and Ogoni will still be on the table.

    “Another reason I will vote for Dakuku is that I know that he has been a part of the present government. He is a student of the present system. He knows what the challenges are, he knows what the situations are. We cannot have somebody who will come and tear down everything we have done.”

  • Peterside’s kinsmen: Rivers not for only Ikwerre

    Peterside’s kinsmen: Rivers not for only Ikwerre

    •Toby, others urged support for APC candidate

    The kinsmen of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, under the aegis of Opobo/Nkoro Patriots, have urged Rivers people to massively vote for the 44-year-old member of the House of Representatives.

    The Opobo/Nkoro patriots said Rivers State is not only for Ikwerre people.

    Opobo/Nkoro patriots spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday through Prof. Dagogo Fubara, Alabo Biakpo Jack Tolofi, Dr. Silas Okansu and a former Rivers Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby.

    The Opobo/Nkoro patriots said: “We thank Eze Ekpeye Logbo, chief and the entire Ekpeye people (of Rivers State) for their support. The Abua, Eleme, Engenni, the Ogba, Etche and Omuma people (all of Rivers State), we thank you. The market women, men, the non-indigenes and indeed, all people of goodwill have, in various ways, accepted the candidacy of Dr. Peterside. We say thank you and may God bless and prosper all those who have stood and defended the cause of justice, fairness, and equity, that, this time a round, the riverine section of the state be given the opportunity to produce a governor.

    “This is an opportunity of a lifetime, which all true sons and daughters of Opobo and Nkoro Kingdoms (in coastal Opobo/Nkoro LGA of Rivers State) cherish. We therefore call on all Rivers people and those resident in Rivers State to come out en masse on February 28, 2015, to vote Dr. Dakuku Adol Pererside, the APC’s standard bearer, as governor of Rivers State.

    “It remains for us to place on record our deep appreciation to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for his courage and outstanding sense of justice. It was he (Amaechi) who said from the outset that he would not support any other Ikwerre person to succeed him, because Rivers State is not only for the Ikwerre. Governor Amaechi went ahead to urge his party to nominate a riverine candidate to be governor. By this singular act, our dear governor has shown that indeed every Rivers man and woman can aspire for any office in the country. He has renewed the faith of every child in the strength of our rainbow coloured state and reassured us that no community will be left behind, in our march to building the Rivers State of our dreams.

    “We are also mindful to note that it is only the APC, as a party, that accepted the plea of various Ijaw groups, including that of our leader, Chief Edwin Clark, who joined the Ijaw chiefs and elders, in urging all political parties to nominate a riverine person to bear their flags in Rivers State.

    “We therefore call on all registered voters in Rivers State to ensure that we all come out and vote and protect our votes. Remember, your votes count. So, let us all come and elect Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, the APC’s standard bearer as our governor during the governorship election, scheduled to hold on February 28, 2015.”

  • Peterside our next governor, says monarch

    Peterside our next governor, says monarch

    A first class traditional ruler has predicted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Dr. Dakuku Peterside will emerge the next governor of Rivers State.

    The Uwema Ogbo Abua, His Royal Majesty, J. Umar II, spoke during a courtesy call by Peterside, his running mate, Honourable Asita and APC members and supporters in continuation of his campaign in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

    The monarch, who received the APC governorship candidate and his entourage with other traditional rulers in the local government area on Wednesday, called on the people to support Peterside. He described Peterside as a patriot and dependable gentleman with sterling qualities and impressive record of achievements.

    The royal father assured Peterside of his kingdom’s unwavering commitment to his ambition, adding that his people have already embraced APC’s progressive policies.

    Peterside and Asita were later honoured by the monarch and other traditional rulers with the privileges of a high chief in full traditional attire.

    The APC candidate promised to spend every minute of his time working for the people and representing their interest.

    Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru described Peterside as Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s best and final gift to the people of Rivers State.

    Ikuru spoke at the APC Abua/Odual Local Government Area campaign rally at Ayama-Abua.

    “Our leader and governor, the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has given us so many good gifts but Dr. Dakuku Peterside is his best and final gift to us. Amaechi gave us world-class schools, hospitals,

    roads, power, free education opportunities, purposeful leadership and security, among other good things. But let me tell you that Peterside is his best gift to us. I therefore wish to assure you that Peterside will give you double of all these great and wonderful things.”

    Ikuru also described Peterside as a visionary and consummate public servant who will bring his expertise, humility and fear of God to the leadership of the state. Peterside got a rousing welcome in the area. A crowd numbering over 20, 000 met the team at Omalem Junction where the campaign took off.

    The carnival-like procession then moved to the palace of King Kaleh

    Obuge where Peterside again reiterated why the pursuit of peace in all communities is critical to his administration.

    “If we don’t deal with the fundamental issues that will lead to peace, then we will just be wasting our time. We all agree that these issues are justice, equity and fairness. Therefore we shall be seeking your support and partnership as we pursue peace in all parts of Rivers State.

    A woman leader and wife of former Executive Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Area in Rivers State, Helen Udi Udum,   called on women in Rivers State to support Peterside.

    Udum who spoke on behalf of APC women of Abua/Odual Local Government said they are mobilising for Peterside and all the APC candidates because of the party’s fundamental principles that border on justice and peace.

  • ‘Peterside’ll restore peace to Rivers communities’

    ‘Peterside’ll restore peace to Rivers communities’

    Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, has assured that his administration will restore peace to all communities, if elected governor on February 28.

    Peterside made the promise yesterday when he visited the paramount ruler of Abua Kingdom, King Kaleh Obuge, at Otari in Abua/Odual Local Government Area.

    He was at the palace for royal blessings for his governorship bid.

    Following the reports of a cholera outbreak in Andoni Local Government Area, , Peterside, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro in the House of Representatives, also funded a medical mission consisting of doctors, nurses and other health personnel to support the efforts of the state government.