23rd March, 2016
Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State has assured of his commitment towards bequeathing to NIMASA, an enduring legacy.
Peterside who was a guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast television show on Channels this morning said the agency has all it takes in terms of human resource to turn around its fortunes.
“My mind is focussed on leaving a lasting legacy at NIMASA. I am convinced on achieving the goals I have already set aside for myself based on my interaction with the workforce.
“To be honest, I must say that I am impressed with the staff. I found people who are knowledgeable, dedicated and willing to work. I just feel that there was a leadership gap at some point.
“Our plan is to make Nigeria, the hub of shipping in Africa. Maritime has the capacity of being a huge revenue earner for Nigeria and I know this is possible based our strategic location as a country.”
He also used the opportunity to relive the attempt on his life last Sunday, stressing that assassination is a very serious crime that must not be swept under the carpet for any reason.
Peterside further cleared the air on his appearance at Mile 1 Police Station which, according to him, was in response to a distress call from members of his party who were intimidated by the presence of Governor Nyesome Wike at the station. He also spoke at length on the harassment, impunity, violence and irregularities that characterised the entire re-run exercise in Rivers State.
The NIMASA boss who was former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream and well known for his peaceful disposition added that his biggest desire at the moment is for peace to return to Rivers State and its long-suffering people. He however expressed doubt and concern over achieving this wish, given the violent records of principal actors in Rivers State government.