Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State has vowed to defend the independence of the judiciary. He also promised to provide effective justice administration system in Rivers State.
He made the pledge in Port Harcourt at a one-day interactive session with members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Rivers State branch.
Peterside who spoke extensively on justice administration and alternative dispute resolution, assured the bar that his government will put in place, measures to ensure smooth and speedy dispensation of justice. He also promised to provide modern infrastructure by ensuring that Rivers State courts are technology driven and compliant.
He described the law and lawyers as critical stakeholders in his resolve to build a modern state that will be a reference point in Nigeria and beyond.
“Justice administration is important because every other thing rests on the law. Security is one of our most important programmes and it rests solidly on the law. And if we are looking for a Rivers State that will be prosperous, then we must be looking at a Rivers State that will run on rule of law.
“In our road map, the judiciary as an arm of government will play an important role. We recognise and will guard its independence as already enshrined in the Constitution”.
Responding, the lawyers commended APC and the Greater Together Campaign Organisation for providing a platform for exchange of ideas. Barrister Vincent Chukwu who described the interactive forum as excellent, called on Peterside to continually engage opinions as he continues his campaign. He said lawyers are expectant of the in-coming administration, adding that the candidate’s presence has further strengthen their hope of a better Rivers come May 29. He however pleaded with Peterside to help young lawyers by instituting interest-free loans and facilities that would ameliorate the challenge of practising law in today’s Nigeria.
In their presentations, while Barrister Joseph Dents asked Peterside and the APC to keep to their promise of ensuring speedy dispensation of justice across the state, Barrister Jessica Muga Mene called for employment opportunities for lawyers in public service. In his own contribution, Honourable Asita, a lawyer and Dr Peterside’s running mate promised to work with lawyers towards building a better Rivers State.
In conclusion, the APC candidate assured the lawyers that the crisis rocking the Rivers State judiciary will soon be over. He promised to do everything possible to resolve the crisis which has seriously affected the livelihood of lawyers and other judicial officers.
..Says Buhari On A Rescue Mission
Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in Rivers State has described General Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the APC as a man of impeccable character who is on a mission to save Nigeria.
Peterside who made the statement in Port Harcourt at a gathering of small business owners under the aegis of Pillar Association said Buhari has survived all calculated plot against him because he is a straightforward man who means well for Nigeria.
“At 72, Buhari has achieved everything only very few persons can achieve in one life. He attended best military schools in the world, excelled in prime military postings and he is fondly remembered for using the forces under his command in 1983 to chase away invading Chadian forces.
“He was also Governor of the then North Eastern State; federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Head of State and later Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund”.
Peterside who described Buhari’s mission in politics as clearly altruistic and service-driven, warned that Nigerians must not be deceived by the cheap propaganda of a few who are defending their pockets and mouths. He said Nigerians across tribe and religion are supporting the general because they trust and believe that he is the only person at the moment who can rescue the country from the hands of those who want the rot to continue.
He challenged the smear campaigners to provide any evidence of corruption or compromise against Buhari if they want to be taken seriously. Nigeria, he insisted, must be rid of corruption, ineptitude, clannish politics, lies and impunity. According to him, those castigating Buhari do not mean well for Nigeria. They want these vices and other deficits closely associated with this government to continue but Nigerians want change and they will demonstrate this with their votes during the general elections.
Peterside said corruption, insecurity, alarming unemployment, unacceptable poverty and mismanagement are the challenges confronting Nigeria and not religion or ethnicity. He said only those who are incompetent fan the amperes of religion to cover their ineptitude. He enjoined Nigerians to join in the effort to rescue Nigeria by voting out PDP and the inept government it leads.
