Peterside meets residents of Port Harcourt Waterfronts, promises to redevelop and upgrade waterfronts across Rivers State

Nwaorgu Faustinus

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State has met with residents of Port Harcourt Waterfronts in continuation of his consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of the general elections.

The meeting which held at Delta Hotel, Port Harcourt attracted traditional chiefs, religious leaders, men, women and the youth.

The forum provided opportunity for a good heart-to-heart that lasted far beyond an hour. Peterside who spoke for the most part, unveiled his road map to redevelopment and upgrading of waterfronts in Port Harcourt and around the state, promising to involve everybody in any future development plan.

He assured inhabitants of waterfronts of his government’s readiness to facilitate reclamation and sand filling, improve sanitation with modern toilets, provide security and make available, portable water and other amenities that will improve life in the settlement. He called on residents of waterfront to vote APC for their survival and future.

“In this election, nobody will protect your interest. Do not be deceived, you alone can protect your interest. So if you don’t want anybody to oppress you again, then vote for me. But the choice is yours, so make up your mind.

“I know you are under immense pressure but I urge you to be steadfast and to vote according to your conscience. If they are sure of victory, why are they threatening and harassing everybody?

“Let me remind you again that nobody will demolish the waterfront but if for reasons of development, we will sit with you to agree on a template. We have a comprehensive programme for you because we know all kinds of talents abound among our people there. So we will bring empowerment schemes directly to the people. Those who want to be fashion designers, actors, footballers and athletes will have the opportunity of living their dreams.

‘Our people are not greedy; they just want a dignified life. We must vote right so that our children will grow in an atmosphere that is fair to everybody irrespective of social status. So we must not sacrifice our tomorrow today by our actions. Therefore I urge you to take promises only from men of honour and peaceful men who fear God”.

Responding, Alafa Ibigioromeo, one of the residents commended Peterside for including them in his programme. He thanked the APC candidate for finding time to address them and for sharing in their realities. He warned that the inhabitants and their children risk becoming slaves in their fatherland if they fail to vote for APC. There were also other speakers like Tamunosiki Iwari who called for unity and purpose as the people vote on 28 March and 11 April.