PDP, APC Candidates Shun Guber Debate In Rivers

The two main governor
ship candidates in Rivers State, Chief  Nyesom Wike of  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Dr Dakuku Peterside of  the All Progressives Congress(APC), Hon Dakuku Peterside, last Saturday failed to appear for debate put together by the Advocacy for Violence-Free Election and Good Governance
The debate titled ‘’Rivers Decide”  was aimed at giving all the candidates the opportunity to present their ideas on how to govern Rivers State and as well create opportunity for Rivers people to hear their plans on the various issues and sectors that affect  the state.
Our correspondent reports that no reason was given for their  absence at the debate, either by the organizer or the two leading candidates and their parties, even though the organizers confimed that the two candidates were reached.
However , the Labour Party candidate, Prince Tonye Princewill and his counterparts in  the All Progressives Grand Allaince, Alalibo Charles Harry; the United Progressive party, Deacon Akuro Parker; the National Conscience Party(NCP), Mrs Tapiko Annetessie, and Rev Ibinami Harry of the Social Democratic Party attended the debate.
During the debate, the five candidates pledged to improve on the living condition of the people by eradicating poverty in the state.
Princewill said he has one point agenda for the people  which  is to create jobs for the increasing youths.
Princewill said  he was able to employ a number of youths as a business man, adding  that if given the opportunity, he would collaborate and involve the private sectors in job creation.
The United Progresssive Party candidate, Deacon Parker promised that  his government, if voted into power, would embark on intensive re-orientation campaign for revolutionary attitude change and socio-economic transformation.
He said  his government would embark on what he described as community focused sustainable development, for  employment generation wealth creation and reduction of poverty.
The Social Democratic Candidate, Rev  Harry in his own contribution, said he would embark on decentralized policy by creating and developing six more cities with intention decongest the city of Port Harcourt.
Mrs Tapiko Annetesie promised to revolutionalise agriculture and tourism to create more internal generated revenue for the state, saying she,  would make Ayarokoto a tourist site which would attract more visitors and tourists to the area.

Wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan (3rd right), President Goodluck Jonathan (left), his Vice, Namadi Sambo (2nd left), National Chairman PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu (right) during presidential campaign at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga