Dakuku vows to tackle insecurity, boost Rivers economy

Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Security of lives and property is in top priority of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, if he wins in the governorship election in February 2015.

He said economic development of the state can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

Peterside, unfolded part of his policy if voted as governor at Bonny Island when he paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple, and the Bonny Council of Chiefs, to seek the blessing of the monarch.

He said his administration will ensure even development in every part of the state.

He was led on the courtesy visit to the Bonny monarch by the traditional rulers of Opobo and Nkoro, headed by Alabo Professor Dagogo Fubara of Opobo and Alabo Okamsin, the traditional ruler of Nkoro.

“Today, security cannot be taken for granted. On our waterways, we hear about the activities of pirates, on land you hear criminal activities everywhere. I don’t think that is the state we deserve and desire. So, for government, our primary responsibility should be security of lives and property and I will make that my first priority if I’m given the mandate of the Rivers people.

“Your Majesty, you know as I do Sir, that without security, nobody can invest in this state. Therefore, nobody can create jobs and when we don’t create jobs, our children will be idle and criminality will escalate further.

“Your Majesty, I say the choice of who becomes governor of Rivers State demands diligence. By the special grace of God, the founding fathers of Rivers state had a dream of a great state, to be the pride of not only Nigeria, but that of Africa.

“Our fathers have laboured, they have toiled, they made sacrifices and we have made a lot of progress but we are not where we desire to be. Several years ago, the situation was worse than it is today, but by the contribution of leaders like you and some of our political leaders, we have accomplished some mileage but There is so much work to be done.”

Responding to Dakuku, the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple, who blessed Peterside, said the people of Bonny know that they have a right in deciding their future and would certainly do that when the time comes.

“The people of Bonny for sure are people who know that they have the right to determine their future. That right is what you must exercise, you must express it. Therefore, it is important that you choose wisely because your decision today will determine the future.

“The blessing you seek from me is to bless your quest for the governorship of the state and you have my blessing. I wish you all the best; I wish you success and pray that God Almighty will fulfil your heart desires.”