Retail services are the pillar that holds our economy – Peterside

Dr Dakuku Peterside has described small business as the pillar that holds the nation’s economy. The APC candidate said this at an interactive forum with Pillar Association, a group of retail business men and women in Port Harcourt.

He promised that his government will work with small businesses so as to encourage growth and development in the state.

Responding, the group assured Dr Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in Rivers State of their support in the forth-coming general elections.

The association led by its president, Comrade Emeka Onyekwum said they are staying with Peterside because there is a place for ordinary people and small businesses in his manifesto.

The traders who described Peterside as a God-fearing person, prayed for him and asked him to defend the poor and the weak when he is elected governor of Rivers State.

In his speech, the governorship candidate thanked them for their prayers and support. He described them as an important part of any economy because of their contribution.[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]

“Retail services are the pillar that holds our economy. We appreciate small businesses because of your impact and the fact that a government will face huge challenges without you. You hold the economy of Rivers State and Nigeria, without you, our economy will collapse. Apart from oil which is God-given, every other thing is about you.

“This is why we must take care of you. Small businesses must have conducive environment to operate. It will be thoughtless for anybody to harass you because that would amount to killing your business and any serious government must protect you. I assure you of protection and partnership.

“I also promise security. You must be free to go to your businesses and return home unhindered. There will also be loans to grow your business. I want to make a promise, I will work with Pillar Association because I know the role you play in our economy. You do not only provide service, you employ people”.

Peterside told the group that his ultimate aim in politics is to see the people of Rivers State prosper; adding that this needed prosperity can only come when he grows the economy and engages idle hands.

He pleaded with members of Pillar Association to join the APC movement of change which has taken a national dimension so that they can be part of a new Nigeria that is about to unfold.