Peterside was born in Biriye, Kingdom of Opobo, and grew up in Azumini, Aba in present-day Abia State, and in Kaduna and Port Harcourt at various times.

He was first appointed Special Assistant to Governor of Rivers State Peter Odili on Student and Youth Affairs in August 1999 at the age of 29.

[9] He led other legislators to sponsor and champion the Petroleum Industry Bill as chairman of the technical Committee of the House of Representatives.

Before serving as commissioner of Works, Peterside had served as Executive Director, Development and Leadership Institute 2003–2007, Senior Special Assistant to Governor of Rivers State on works (2003–2005), chairman, Opobo–Nkoro LGA (2002–2003), Special Assistant to Governor of Rivers State on Youths and Student Affairs (1999–2002).

In March 2020, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari replaced Peterside with Bashir Y Jamoh as Director-General of NIMASA.