The All Progressives Congress candidate in the April 11 governorship election in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, on Sunday gave the Nyesom Wike administration in the state knocks over its alleged impunity, dishonesty and brigandage.
The former House of Representatives member in a statement issued in Abuja, pointed out some of the wrong steps taken by the Peoples Democratic Party-led government in the state since May 29 and urged people of the state to endure a little longer as justice would be served on his petition challenging Wike’s election at the governorship election tribunal.
He said: “I had hoped that this government would take a cue from the Buhari administration but it is becoming obvious by the day that the Wike government does not intend to tow the path of honour and statesmanship and therefore does not deserve the trust of Rivers people.
“On our path, we are duty-bound to protect our state and the interest of all our people and those who reside here. It is that call of duty and with the highest sense of responsibility that has compelled me to speak up.
“Let us with continuing, unwavering faith in the True God and confidence in our judicial institutions, trust that we shall soon see the end of this era of impunity, directionlessness and crass disregard for the rights of our people and the constitution of our nation. Regardless of the darkness that has enveloped our state, we know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and we vow to leave no stone unturned until our people have reached their well-deserved Eldorado”.
Mr. Peterside expressed concern that there is too much dishonesty on the path of the government to hoodwink Rivers people.
“For instance, allegations of empty coffers is a spurious tale as even Mr. Wike by his own admission has been announcing various funds that he located in different government accounts.
“His false claim of using Julius Berger for the refilling of pot holes when what he has been using are local contractors and paying them peanuts. His use of the Berger name was simply a red herring to enable him to loot public funds”, he said.
Peterside also faulted the alleged high-handedness of the administration of Wike and why N30billion was borrowed by the state in 30 days.
Peterside added: “Six weeks after assuming office, the government has not made one single policy statement, rather it appointed the Nimi Walson Jack committee to design a blueprint for the running of government after it had taken off. A move that suggests we have the case of a rudderless state manned by persons whose only bond to the state is to siphon away our resources.
“The mindless pursuit of vendetta against individuals, chasing of shadows and brazen impunity against the long-term interest of the state.
“Obvious lack of commitment to the development of Rivers State. A case in point is the security situation, which has continued to deteriorate with criminality promoted at the expense of the safety of our people. Kidnapping and armed robbery are now rooted and government is doing nothing.
“Poor understanding of public finance and questionable management of public funds as is evidenced in the borrowing of N30bn in 30 days.
“Elevation of impunity to a new level and crass manipulation of institutions as exemplified by the needless local government council crises being orchestrated by the government.
“Illegal dissolution of state institutions created by the constitution with tenured security. Ready examples include the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Local Government Service Commission, Civil Service Commission and the Rivers State House of Assembly Commission”.
