DaKuku Becomes APC Consensus Candidate; ‘I’ll Build On Amaechi’s Solid Foundation’ …Why We Chose Peterside – Amaechi …Police Disperse Protesters, Debunk Death Rumour

The  member representing Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, at the National Assembly, Hon Dakuku Peterside yesterday picked nomination expression of interest and the  form to contest the Governorship election under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
Peterside who spoke to journalists and supporters at the state secretariat of the APC promised to build on the solid foundation laid by Governor Chibuike Amaechi.
The lawmaker who emerged as the Governorship consensus candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Rivers State after a stakeholder meeting, assured that he will not disappoint the people if elected in the general election, commending the people for the outpouring of love in appreciation to his declaration of his ambition.
According to him, “We will take Rivers state to the next level. We will soon unveil our roadmap to prosperity. Rivers people’s support for me is overwhelming. I really appreciate the outpouring of love. I thank all Rivers people. I will not disappoint you.”
“I will continue to rely on God. I do not depend on my strength or ability. I will ensure unity in Rivers state. All Rivers people will have roles to play in my administrations. Our doors are wide open.
I heard that some 150 young men and women were in Government House, Port Harcourt this morning. Ogoni people love me and are very hospitable. I grew up in Ogoni, where I spent over ten years. I still have many childhood friends from Ogoni. The protesters are not Ogoni, but people from other political parties, who want to cause confusion. The opposition parties sponsored the 150 youths to protest. It is nothing to worry about”, he said.
He said that he was at the forefront of the Ogoni struggle in 1990, when Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) was put in place, explaining that Ogoni people are peace loving and not violent.
He also said that, It was when he was Rivers State Commissioner for Works that most of the roads in Bori and Ogoniland were tarred, assuring that he will continue to protect Ogoni interest.
“Senator Magnus Abe is my brother and friend and we have had useful discussions. APC in Rivers state cannot be in reverse gear. We will place emphasis on equity, justice and fairness. We will ensure inclusive government. Everybody will be carried along. I am an Ijaw, but I will be the governor of Rivers state. We can together build a greater Rivers state”, he assured.
Meanwhile, the Senator Representing Rivers East Senatorial district, Senator Magnus Ngei Abbe has called on his supporters not to embark on protest or demonstration following the decision of the stakeholders of the party on the Governorship candidate of the party.
Senator Abe in a statement yesterday dissociated himself, his  associates and political friends from any form of demonstration to protest  the decision taken by the Governor of Rivers State.
According to him, “the issue of Governorship and his stand on the issue demand consultations.
However, the State All Progressive Congress Chairman, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya who stated this yesterday assured that the APC will conduct its primaries for all elective position in the state, including the governorship position.
According to him, although the party has adopted a candidate but the party will still go ahead to conduct its primaries. So, please do not jump the gun”, he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has explained why Hon. Dakuku Peterside was chosen as the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) during a meeting of stakeholders in Government House on Wednesday.
The governor who explained the reasons why Peterside was chosen by the party’s stakeholders during a Voters Card sensitization rally in Omuma Local Government Area urged Party members to support any person so far endorsed.
He said , “There are two reasons why we chose Peterside – he is a young man and he can relate with the people”.
While enlisting the support of Omuma people for the APC, Amaechi emphasized the need to elect a successor who will sustain the current developmental strides in the state.
The governor reasoned that the people of Omuma owe the government support considering the huge developmental efforts in the transforming the area.
In his words, “Things have changed for the better. You are beginning to have good schools and all that. You have better schools and other good things and I think I’am part of the change”.
The Permanent Voter’s Card sensitization visit took the governor to Umunachi, Obiohia Ward 3, Ofeh Ward 6, Ward 5 in Umuoko, Umudu in Ward 2 and Ward 1 in Eberi all in Omuma Local Government Area.
Amaechi had promised the people of the area that government will complete and build primary schools and health centres, assuring them that a General Hospital is being built in Etche to reduce challenge in accessing quality health care.
“We are building 120 Bed Hospital at Etche because it’s too far to go to Port Harcourt. We will complete it, we will furnish and employ local and foreign doctors,” he promised.
If we can get four health centres in Omuma I will be satisfied, he added.
Amaechi however urged the people of the area to go and collect their permanent voters card, informing them that government has declared Friday 28th November as public holiday to enable them participate in the exercise fully.
According to the governor, the Permanent Voters Card will enable them to vote out bad government, as he enjoined them to vote for APC, “the difference between those in the PDP and APC is clear. They will steal your money so on the day of voting go and vote for APC”.
He said that, with the current poor performance of the ruling PDP government, the APC will win the next elections only if the people collect their voters card and exercise their franchise.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya has explained that despite the endorsement of Hon. Peterside as the gubernatorial candidate of the party in next year elections, the party will still conduct primaries.
The primaries, he explained will cover all elective positions, including the governorship position. “You know there must be primaries and so we have primary elections for all positions, so don’t jump the gun just allow us finish with our consultations,”, he promised.
In a related developed, the Rivers State Police Command has debunked rumours of death after it dispersed some protesting youths in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Youth from Ogoni had taken to the streets in protest against the adoption of the member representing Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, by the All Progressive Congress (APC) as its consensus Governorship candidate for the 2015 elections.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmed Mohammed, who made the denial in a text message said that report at his disposal indicated that nobody died, neither was any person arrested by the Police in connection with the incident.
According to him, “The protesters were only dispersed to restore order when they turned violent, hurling all manner objects at the Government House and smashing motorists vehicles, however no arrest was made, he said.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Rivers South East in the National Assembly, Hon. Magnus Abe has warned his supporters against embarking on any form of protest.
A statement issued by the Senator said that embarking on any form of protest is not in the best interest of the state.
He however said that he was still consulting with stakeholders on his next step.
However, condemnations have trailed the protest by some Ogoni Youths over the adoption of Dakuku Peterside as a consensus candidate by the APC.
A cross section of people who spoke to The Tide on the issue, described the protest as uncalled for, stressing that the youths should have used legitimate means such as the court to address their grievances.
Meanwhile the State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) says it would still go on with its governorship primaries despite the adoption of Dakuku Peterside by Stakeholders as its governorship candidate, according to statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Chris Finebone.

John Bibor

Hon Dakuku Peterside (middle) receiving his Nomination/Intent Form from the Rivers State chairman of APC, Dr Davies Ikanya, at the party office in Port Harcourt, yesterday. With them is Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Nabbs Imegwu. Photo: Prince Dele Obinna