By Gbenga Oke

The All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Rivers State, Mr Dakuku Peterside has described the allegation levelled against him by the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that he is a cultist as unkind, uncharitable and evil.

Peterside also said any attempt by anybody or a group of persons to tarnish his hard-earned reputation will be resisted and challenged.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Sylvester Asoya, he berated the PDP in the state for resorting to cheap blackmail and baseless accusation capable of exacerbating the already tensed political atmosphere in the state.

He said “This accusation runs contrary to my ideals as a practising Christian and preacher of the Gospel. I am amused by this baseless allegation because as a Christian I know where I stand with Christ and any attempt by anybody or group to tarnish my hard earned reputation will be resisted and challenged because I never belonged to any secret society or cult group all my life including my university days and I will never be.

“From 1986 to 2011, I was a member of Church of God Mission International but for distance, I had to change my denomination to Salvation Ministries and my pastor can attest to my undiluted Christian life and spiritual standing. Curiously, this unfortunate allegation is coming from a party that Rivers people and the Christian community are alleging of parading known Ogbonis as members.

“This ploy is a diversionary tactics to divert attention from the demand of the Christian community in Rivers State that those who aspire to the high office of governor must have high moral and spiritual standing and that the church resolve not to vote for anybody with secret society background is firm and well known.

“I am an open book in my days both at Okrika Grammar School, and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where I served as National President of National Union of Rivers State Students among other positions. I did not join any cult group not even with the excuse of youthful exuberance. This accusation is therefore, unjustified and should be disregarded.”