I Will Play My Part in Wike’s Government – Peterside

Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 general elections in Rivers State, has said he will join hands with the administration of Governor Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, by playing the position of the virile opposition, while also promising to do his best for the peace and development of the state. He made this known in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Thursday, in reaction to the January 27, 2016 judgement of the Supreme Court. It would be recalled that the Supreme Court upheld Wike’s election . He said, “Consequently, we shall do our best to work for the peace and development of Rivers State and all who reside in it. We shall creatively offer our help to Governor Nyesom Wike. We will provide a virile opposition, serving as a mirror for the conscience of government, in the interest of Rivers people. “When encouragement is needed towards a just and proper course of dealings, we will offer our commendation to the government. Conversely, we will constructively express objection to policies and actions we consider inimical to the overall interest of Rivers people. “It is our hope that Governor Wike and his team will appreciate the suggestions and proposals that would be made in the interest of Rivers people. If we sometimes sound strident, he should pay heed to the message of passionate and zealous Rivers people rather than dismiss the messenger.” Peterside emphasised that the country needs to be careful so that its electoral process will not be subjected to the decision of antidemocratic elements, especially those who deploy their personal armed groups to molest and kill voters. “Although we have accepted the Supreme Court verdict, it would be remiss of me not to point out that this is also an opportunity for our people to engage in deep introspection on the electoral process. Beyond party affiliation, must we continue to allow the electoral process to be subject to the whims and caprices of anti-democratic elements, especially those who deploy personal militia to molest and even kill voters?”, he asked. “Those who hold the electoral umpire captive or compromised; and thus generally prevent electoral outcomes reflective of the will of the voters, as envisaged by law? It is understandable that an attitude of cynical expediency in some politicians may inevitably conclude that “the end justifies the means”.