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Dr Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), says the swearing-in of Sen. Andrew Uchendu is a triumph of people’s power and resilience over violence.

Newsmen report that Uchendu was sworn-in as a Senator to represent Rivers-East Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Peterside, in a statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt, said that the victory of Uchendu at the tribunal and subsequent swearing-in had put a stop to election manipulation.

“As Sen. Andrew Uchendu mounted the podium and took oath of office, it has marked the collapse of the manipulation of our electoral system.

“The swearing-in of Sen. Uchendu also marks real victory of the people’s power and conquest of resilience and determination over violence.

“I salute Sen. Uchendu for his moment of glory and our leader, the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, for offering leadership that strengthens our resolve, courage and gives hope to ordinary people,” he said.

According to him, those who celebrated the shortlived victory of electoral manipulation will definitely fear God and also know that there is a limit to which they can manipulate our weak institutions.

“Sen. Uchendu represents the true spirit of the ‘Riversman’ and the state, and his victory marks a new beginning and never again will darkness becloud our land again.

“I join all Rivers people and particularly the thousands of young men and women who are ready to go to any length to defend their conviction to celebrate this new era,” he said.

Peterside, who was the Rivers APC Governorship candidate in 2015, thanked supporters of the party who made necessary sacrifice to be in Abuja to witness the historic swearing-in.

“I thank those who invested resources to celebrate our brand new Senator in both newspaper publications and various massmedia platforms,” he said.

The National Assembly Appeal Tribunal for Rivers on Aug. 24 sacked Sen. George Sekibo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Certificate of Return to Uchendu.

NAN

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