Peterside expresses concern over political violence in Rivers

GOVERNORSHIP candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside,has expressed concern over the spate of violence in the state ahead of the election. 

  He called on the security agents and President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently address the situation before it gets out of control.

  Peterside, who lamented that over 37 people had died and several others injured in series of attacks he believed were masterminded by agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said it would be sad if votes are not counted in the state due to violence or other sinister activities.

  Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Peterside said the APC stands a better chance of winning the governorship election any day it holds as he has the mass support of the people.

  He warned that if vote did not count in Rivers, there is no guarantee they would count in other parts of the country.

 While he appealed to his supporters to remain calm in the face of provocation, he tasked all Nigerians on the need to stem the tide of violence in Rivers State, saying: “For now, democracy is our only option and we must do all to protect it because there is no alternative.”

   On what the party will do to address the assaults on its members, Peterside said: “We will not resort to self-help but work within the constitution to address the situation.”

  He also said that “it is clear who is winning this election. We have the backing of the people and if Gen. Muhammadu Buhari wins the presidential election, which of course is certain, the Rivers governorship election would definitely be a walk-over for me.”

  Speaking on his plan for the state, which he tagged: ‘Our Road Map to Prosperity,’ Peterside said his first priority would be to address security of lives and property, ‘‘which is the biggest challenge in the last couple of months.”

  He also stressed the need to revamp the transportation system, empower the people and boost agriculture.