Dr Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State has described character and vision as the two most important elements in the governorship race in Rivers State.
Peterside stated this during his opening remarks at Rivers State Governorship Debate which featured Chief Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Tonye Princewill of Labour Party, LP.
The event which held At Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, brought together, persons drawn from professional bodies, civil society groups, the media, political parties and the academia.
The APC candidate who described himself as the only person among all the governorship candidates who has the good fortune of bringing to the race, character and vision, pleaded with Rivers people to vote candidates on merit, rather than other sentiments.
“Among all of us seeking for the office of the governor, how many of us have character and vision? Those who have character, do they have vision? And those that have vision, do they have character? I come to this race with character and vision.
“If a man without character says he will take you to heaven, I know you will not take him seriously. If a man who has no character promises to provide qualitative education for you, I know you will not take him seriously. I also know that if a man without vision assures you of security, I know you will not take him seriously.
“But my promise is that I will offer Rivers State, a God-fearing leadership, a leadership that is humble, that will unite our people, one that is honest, resourceful and above all, one that will put Rivers State above all considerations”.
He argued that many people do not have the moral right to bring themselves forward for election because of character deficit, counselling that character and vision are critical and therefore must be taken seriously.
The debate which dwelt extensively on open governance, security and economy/employment, provided Peterside the opportunity to speak on some portions of his Roadmap to Prosperity, which is his manifesto that encapsulates his vision for Rivers State.
The APC candidate who described security as an important ingredient of job creation, promised to provide employment opportunities by creating empowerment platforms. He said talented young men and women will also find expression in sports, entertainment, vocational studies and ICT as his government is poised to engage every idle hand in Rivers State.
Peterside also spoke on the economy, describing this era of dwindling revenues from oil, as a critical time in Nigeria’s history. He said that if Rivers State must grow its economy and empower more people, then the government must move away from oil. He added that moving away from oil, requires creativity, character and vision.
He however promised to re-jig the state’s revenue base, provide the right business and regulatory environment and assist young businesses to grow by providing loans and grants where necessary.
Peterside however assured the people that his government will definitely change spending pattern, reorder priority and double the efforts of government in the area revenue generation. He also promised to subscribe to a code of ethics, strengthen institutions and engender efficient justice administration.
“But the most important is strength of character of the leader. A leader must lead by example and I have the strength of character to provide that leadership”, he said.