PORT HARCOURT (Sundiata Post) – Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has promised to defend the interest of traders and non-indigenes in every part of the state. Peterside was at the popular Mile 3 Market, Port Harcourt in continuation of his shop-to-shop campaign where he told the traders that he was in their midst to reassure them of their safety and protection.
The APC candidate, who was accompanied by his running mate, Barr. Honourable Asita, members of the Greater Together campaign organisation, and party supporters urged the traders and non-indigenes to discountenance the rumour making the round about their impending deportation by a certain candidate who has threatened to victimize non-indigenes.
‘Some people said when they come to power, they will pursue non-indigenes. My father was a merchant for many years in Aba, Abia State and as children, we enjoyed our stay in Aba because we were never molested or reminded of our non-indigene status. So I want to assure you of your safety because I am one of you and I will continue to support you.
“I will assist non-indigenes in every way possible because we are brothers and sisters. We promise that Rivers people and non-indigenes alike will have access to free education, free health services, support for small businesses and every opportunity open to Rivers people”. [pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
Peterside said the primary duty of government all over the world is service and protection of its citizens, not punishment, intimidation or harassment. He described the traders as patriots who are supporting the economy by their legitimate contribution to the state and by the fact that they are working and helping to address the issue of unemployment and insecurity.
He told them that he was in the market because of their tomorrow which is dependent on how they use their votes today. The APC candidate who reminded them of how he awarded and supervised an adjoining road to their market pleaded with them to use their votes wisely by voting only for candidates with integrity, adding that their votes could become sources of harassment, intimidation and oppression if not wisely used.
Responding, Gilbert Godspower who spoke on behalf of the traders described Peterside as a man they can trust because of his antecedents. He charged his colleagues to support him for the fact that the candidate fears God and respects fellow human beings. He promised to lead the Door-to-Door campaign which was flagged off at the rally by Peterside.