The suffering was worth the while, says Peterside

Dakuku Peterside, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the April 11 governorship election in Rivers state, has described the verdict of the election tribunal as victory for democracy.

He said the verdict has shown that “perseverance pays”, saying the people of the state suffered a lot under Nyesom Wike.

The tribunal ordered fresh election in the state after annulling the election that produced Wike.

“The journey no doubt was tortuous but the suffering was worthwhile. It also shows that perseverance pays,” he said.

“This judgment no doubt also shows that we must continue to have faith in our judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

“I congratulate the good and long-suffering people of Rivers state for standing up to impunity, executive rascality and intimidation of the highest order.

“As we look forward to a fair contest, I urge our people to be calm and to continue to pray for our dear state. Under the last administration, our people suffered all forms of indignities because of their political leaning. Democracy is essentially about freedom and we must never, under any circumstance lose our freedom again.

“This verdict has put a nail on the coffin of electoral rascality, electoral violence, election fraud and impunity. It has restored the faith of the resilient people of Rivers state in the electoral process as a fair means of choosing leaders. I particularly thank the people of Rivers state for their resilience throughout this period.

“Let us all join hands with the Buhari-led government as it tackles impunity, incompetence, unemployment and all the vices that remind us of the sorry story of our recent history. Surely, Rivers state is on the march again and we must all lend our support.”