APC candidate responds to Wike’s victory, offers help

monjola sotubo

January 28, 2016 4:42 PM

The APC candidate’s comments are contained in a statement released on Thursday, January 28, 2016.

APC gubernatorial candidate in River State, Dakuku Peterside.

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside has responded to the Supreme Court verdict which upheld the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike in the April 11, 2015 elections.

Peterside stated that he would contribute to the development of the state and also offered to help Wike.

It reads in part:

“Consequently, we shall do our best to work for the peace and development of Rivers State and all who reside in it. We shall creatively offer our help to Governor Nyesom Wike. We will provide a virile opposition, serving as a mirror for the conscience of government, in the interest of Rivers people.”

“When encouragement is needed towards a just and proper course of dealings, we will offer our commendation to the government. Conversely, we will constructively express objection to policies and actions we consider inimical to the overall interest of Rivers people.”

“It is our hope that Governor Wike and his team will appreciate the suggestions and proposals that would be made in the interest of Rivers people. If we sometimes sound strident, he should pay heed to the message of passionate and zealous Rivers people rather than dismiss the messenger.”

“Although we have accepted the Supreme Court verdict, it would be remiss of me not to point out that this is also an opportunity for our people to engage in deep introspection on the electoral process.”

“Beyond party affiliation, must we continue to allow the electoral process to be subject to the whims and caprices of anti-democratic elements, especially those who deploy personal militia to molest and even kill voters?”

“Those who hold the electoral umpire captive or compromised; and thus generally prevent electoral outcomes reflective of the will of the voters, as envisaged by law? It is understandable that an attitude of cynical expediency in some politicians may inevitably conclude that “the end justifies the means”.

“However, those who are governed by such a cynical mentality need to be reminded that a huge moral burden would perpetually sour such temporary “victories”. Like the myth of Sisyphus, it is surely a backward slide in our political evolution. Let us think deeply please.”

The apex court declared Wike the rightful winner of the elections on Wednesday, January 27.

monjola sotubo