Ben-Gurion John Peter, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, says he plans to create two million jobs in four years and generate 3,000 megawatts of electricity if elected in the 2027 election.

Peter made this known while presenting his vision and response to the Citizens’ Charter of Demand at a governorship candidates’ engagement in Port Harcourt.

He said his administration would create 500,000 jobs annually under his “Farewell to Poverty” programme, describing the target as achievable.

“It is doable, it is feasible. It is not rocket science. In one year, we will create 500,000 jobs, and in four years, two million jobs,” Peter said.

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The SDP candidate said Rivers State produces more than 40% of Nigeria’s crude oil and holds 40% of the country’s water bodies, yet many young people remain unemployed or underemployed.

“Rivers State is too rich to be in this poverty,” he said.

Peter said his administration would pursue shared prosperity by repositioning governance, ending godfatherism and ensuring that public resources serve the people rather than personal interests.

“I do not have a godfather. God is my godfather, and God is the one sponsoring me in this project. I only have to answer to God, not one man or one woman somewhere.

“Politics is not about personal interest; politics is about the people’s interest. Until people’s interests come first, the resources will go into one person’s pocket,” he said.

Peter also promised open budgeting, transparent procurement and financial autonomy for local government areas and the judiciary.

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He pledged to address flooding through proper road construction and drainage, saying poor planning had contributed to recurring floods in the state.

The SDP candidate said his administration would generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity, distribute 3,000 megawatts and retain 1,000 megawatts as a reserve to support industries, small businesses and households.

“What Rivers State needs is 3,000 megawatts to run the entire state. Once there is electricity, industries will begin to flourish, people will come in, barbers will begin to make money, salons will begin to make money, and small companies will begin to function properly,” he said.

Peter further promised youth empowerment and social protection, including a credit facility for unemployed young people. He said beneficiaries would receive monthly deposits through a credit card, which would be deactivated once they secured employment.

“In my administration, any youth who is unemployed will be given a credit card. At the end of the month, money will be deposited in it. Once you get a job, the credit card will be deactivated,” he said.

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He also pledged N500 billion in industrial funding through partnerships with companies, with single-digit interest loans to support businesses in the state.

Peter said his administration would ensure equitable distribution of appointments across ethnic groups and promised to run an inclusive government for all Rivers people.

“Farewell to poverty is not a slogan. Under the SDP, Rivers State will be rich, and its people will be rich. We are offering a new dawn vanguard to make Rivers State great again,” he said.