The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Ben-Gurion Peter John, has promised to improve sanitation, security and electricity supply in the state within his first 100 days in office if elected.
Peter John made the pledge while appearing as a guest on Treasure FM in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He said his administration would prioritize a cleaner environment, safer roads and communities, and improved electricity supply to make life better for residents.
“Within the next 100 days, one of the major things I will do that will make Rivers people rejoice and know that God Almighty has given them a government is to ensure that, one, Rivers State is clean.
“Number two, security-wise, that you can travel from one end of Port Harcourt to the other, one part of the state to the other, without fear. Within 100 days, I can assure you of that,” he said.
On electricity, the SDP candidate acknowledged that achieving a 100 per cent improvement within the period might not be possible but promised to significantly increase power supply.
“I won’t give you 100 per cent, but if we’re having 30 per cent now, I will increase it to about 60 per cent,” he said.
Peter John also pledged to respect traditional rulers and involve them in governance, describing them as important stakeholders whose support was necessary for effective administration, particularly at the grassroots.
“The traditional rulers are our fathers. And one, I have to respect them. Traditional rulers are not just your children. Once a young man, even if he’s ten years old and he becomes a traditional ruler, he becomes a father to everyone,” he stated.
He added that his administration would not treat traditional rulers with contempt or govern them in an authoritarian manner.
“As a governor, I will respect the traditional rulers and I will carry them along. I’m not going to be a tyrant. I’m not going to be an emperor to them,” Peter John added.
On accountability, the SDP candidate proposed the establishment of a body he described as the Transparency and Accountability Ministry to monitor public expenditure and ensure that funds allocated to projects were properly utilised.
He said the initiative would promote transparency in government and prevent the diversion or misuse of public funds.
“There must be transparency. There must be accountability. That’s the kind of governance I want to run. My administration will be very accountable and very transparent,” he said.
Peter John further pledged to subject his administration to public scrutiny and investigation after his first four years in office, insisting that he would be willing to account for his stewardship.
The SDP candidate’s pledges come as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
