Defeated governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Honourable Dakuku Peterside, has indicated his willingness to work with Governor Nyesom Wike to move the state forward.
He made this known, on Thursday, while reacting to the Supreme Court judgment, on Thursday, which upheld the victory of Wike in the governorship election held in the state on April 11, 2015.
Governor Wike, reacting to the court’s decision, on Wednesday, had praised Dakuku for approaching the judiciary to seek redress over the outcome of the election, rather than going violent.
The governor also extended an olive branch to his opponent and the opposition in the state, asking the APC candidate to join hand with him in the task of moving the state forward.
Dakuku, while accepting the offer from Wike, however said APC would remain a formidable opposition party in the state, serving as a mirror for the activities of the government.
“Consequently, we shall do our best to work for the peace and development of Rivers State and all who reside in it.
“We shall creatively offer our help to Governor Nyesom Wike. We will provide a virile opposition, serving as a mirror for the conscience of government, in the interest of Rivers people.
“When encouragement is needed towards a just and proper course of dealings, we will offer our commendation to the government.
“Conversely, we will constructively express objection to policies and actions we consider inimical to the overall interest of Rivers people.
“It is our hope that Governor Wike and his team will appreciate the suggestions and proposals that would be made in the interest of Rivers people.
“If we sometimes sound strident, he should pay heed to the message of passionate and zealous Rivers people rather than dismiss the messenger”, he said.
The APC governorship candidate however said the judgment was a departure from the earlier findings of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which had both declared that the election failed to comply substantially with the requirements of the Electoral Act.
