Ahead of the February 14 and 28, general elections, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has visited the Eze Ndigbo Rivers and Bayelsa States, Eze Adiele Maduagwu, at his palace in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
The APC candidate was accompanied by his running mate, Hon. Asita Honourable, Chairman of the state APC, Dr. Davies Ibiam Ikanya, members of Greater Together Campaign Organisation and party supporters.
Peterside told the monarch that he was in his palace to brief him on his political journey so far and to pay respect to the Ndigbo, their culture and tradition, and praised the Igbo entrepreneurial spirit, describing them as good neighbours and supporters of Rivers State economy.
“The Igbo and Rivers people have peacefully cohabited from time immemorial. All of us were once part of what used to be called Eastern Nigeria. If the Rivers man has any true brother, it is the Igbo. Even today, some persons want to rewrite history. Beyond that, even before the Civil War, our parents told us that the Igbo have always been the pillar that holds Rivers State’s economy. Without the Igbo, our economy will not flourish and anybody who wants to turn truth upside down will not succeed.
“After the Nigerian Civil War, when our fathers were trying to rebuild the state and rebuild our economy, the Igbo were also on hand to help rebuild our state and our economy. So, they are an important part of our society, nobody can deny that fact. If anybody is trying to deny that fact, then the person is being very uncharitable, unkind and I know God does not like injustice, God does not like lies.
“If before, those who helped to build the economy were neglected, we can’t afford to neglect them today because if we do, they will go elsewhere and help other people build their economy and our own will go down. I don’t think that is what we want. And so, we must respect those who live with us, those who contribute to our economy, those who render service, those who pay tax here and those who add value to our society. I am proud to say that the Igbo add value to what we are doing in Rivers State, the Igbo contribute to the building of our economy and the Igbo man has been a good brother and good neighbour”.
Peterside called on the Ndigbo to be guided properly by these realities as they vote in this month’s elections, adding that February elections are too critical to be taken lightly.
“As we march into these elections, there are many candidates running for the office of the governor but the Ndigbo know which one will be good for them and the one that will not be good for them. They don’t need soap to wash their eyes well to know.
“They can see, especially if you look at our antecedents. I was Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, I was special assistant to the governor in Rivers State, I am a member of the National Assembly, I was a local government chairman. People who know my path can say that I respect elders, I respect traditional institution, I have integrity, I respect laws, I fear God. They know that about me. I wish they can say the same about others who are contesting with me.
“For others, you know them. You know that if you give them opportunity, they will intimidate and harass people, they will promote hatred and violence. Your Highness, I don’t think that is what you want and I don’t think that is what the Igbo want,” he said.
Peterside pleaded with Eze Maduagwu to educate his people on the need to vote right so that good people can emerge.
He called on the Ndigbo to vote for him because he is the only one who will serve their interest and protect every non-indigene living in Rivers State.
The APC governorship candidate warned that those who want to govern by force are already threatening to sack non-indigenes in the state civil service and also suspend Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s scholarship to non-indigenes, if they are elected.
Responding on behalf of Eze Maduagwu and the entire Igbo community, Onowu Ndigbo, Chief Ray Anajemba, who described Peterside as a humble and God-fearing candidate, commended the APC standard bearer for his words of hope and encouragement.
He pleaded with the candidate to look into the issue of multiple taxation and the welfare of the Ndigbo and non-indigenes when he is elected.
On his part, the Onowu assured: “we will remember you and we will do the right thing”.
Meanwhile,  governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress,  Dr. Dakuku Peterside APC in Rivers State has assured the people of the state that love, unity, peace and progress will form the building blocks of his administration if he is elected as governor.
Peterside said this in Omoku at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Nnam Obi, the Oba of Ogbaland while responding to the monarch’s welcome address during a courtesy call.
The APC candidate promised to bequeath to Rivers people, a legacy of peace, unity and development.
“As a leader, I am conscious of my role and the expectations of our people. Hon. Asita, my running mate also appreciates this. On the day we are called to give account, we will stand before God to answer for our actions. We shall take full responsibility of our actions. We shall conduct ourselves in such a way that at the end of the day, we will not account to any man. “We are indeed clear-headed and mindful of where we are going. And the people of Rivers State can count on our integrity and track record,” he added.
Peterside later proceeded to Omoku Local Government Council Pavilion where he received a rousing welcome from APC leaders and supporters. He reeled out his economic development agenda for Rivers State people, promising to be faithful in all his dealings.

R-L: Governors of Bayelsa, Seriake Dickson; Delta, Emmanuel Uduaghan; Cross River, Liyel Imoke; Abia, Theodore Orji; Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio and former Anambra Governor,Peter Obi at the PDP Presidential rally in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.