The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, has been described as a man of good character and who would have done well to the fortunes of Rivers State governance.

The Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi, and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, stated this at the weekend during the 47th birthday celebration of Peterside in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi described the NIMASA boss as a steadfast character who has stayed with him for long amongst an initial three people he reluctantly called his political sons.

“By their character, we shall know them. I remember when I was told that Dakuku will sell out when we were fighting for governorship under Dr Peter Odili. Today, he is the only one remaining among those I can call my political sons,” he stressed.

He commended Peterside for the turnaround he has wrought out in NIMASA, saying before he was appointed, the agency was a cesspit of corruption but has since been given a facelift and even paying revenue into the federation’s account.

Governor Obaseki, disclosed that it was Dr Peterside that inspired him to contest for the governorship of his state.

According to him, “I followed him (Peterside) during his campaigns and I saw the passion and energy he gave. He really showed that he had what it takes to govern the state.”

While commending the NIMASA boss for giving the agency a new narrative, he regretted that Rivers State lost a great opportunity to tap into his managerial acumen and development-oriented policies.

The Edo Governor was however quick to say that the state has another opportunity to give Peterside a chance to change the state for the better.

“By the grace of God, you will get it back (referring to Peterside’s governorship ambition loss in 2015). You are doing a good job at NIMASA but you would have done more in Rivers State. The country realises the potentials in you and what you have to offer,” he stressed.

In his remarks, Dr Dakuku Peterside lamented the poor state of the situation in Rivers, insisting that the Wike-led administration is bereft of ideas to lead a progressive economy.

He assured that in the coming elections, Rivers people would rise and reject the “inept, reckless and irresponsible” administration of Nyesom Wike.

•The Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi (middle), Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside (left) and former House of Reps member, Hon Asita O. Asita during Peterside's 47th birthday celebration at the weekend.

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