Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday on his “Reset Rivers” agenda, Mr Lulu-Briggs said he had “ultimate confidence” in the ability of Rivers people to make informed choices at the ballot box.
Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, said he is unperturbed by the much-talked-about Rainbow Coalition, insisting that the power to determine the state’s future ultimately rests with the people.
The Rainbow Coalition is a multi-party political arrangement created by Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers.
“I’m not bothered about any coalition,” he said. “I have ultimate confidence in the capacity of Rivers people to make an informed decision. The people will protect their votes and ensure that their votes count.”
Drawing a biblical analogy, he added: “If I may reference that time in the Bible when Goliath was beating his chest and asking, ‘Where is that man in Israel?’ David came, and Goliath fell. So, I’m not bothered about any coalition.”
Mr Lulu-Briggs lamented what he described as the growing culture of ethnic division in Rivers, warning that politicians who exploit ethnic sentiments for political gain are damaging the social fabric of the state.
“I don’t understand this stuff about ethnicity in Rivers State,” he said. “We grew up not knowing who was Kalabari, who was Ikwerre, who was Ogoni; we were all brothers and sisters. Today, we have become so disunited and spiteful of one another.”
According to him, ethnicity, religion and similar considerations cannot serve as the foundation for effective governance.
“Ethnicity, like religion, is not a value-respecting tool for running a successful state,” he stated. “We must open up the political space and give everybody a fair chance.”
Mr Lulu-Briggs described the unemployment situation in Rivers as alarming, noting that despite its abundant human and natural resources, the state continues to struggle to create jobs.
He pledged to pursue an aggressive economic expansion strategy, saying his administration would focus on skills development, entrepreneurship and private-sector growth.
“We are going to invest heavily in human opportunity,” he said. “We will equip our people with the skills and tools they need to succeed in a highly competitive economy.”
The NDC candidate said he would provide interest-free loans to small and medium-scale businesses through financial institutions if elected governor.
“If you need ₦2 million, ₦10 million, ₦20 million or ₦30 million and you have a bankable business, we will support you,” he said. “We are going to be very deliberate about creating employment and growing businesses.”
He also set an ambitious target of expanding Rivers State’s economy from about $20 billion to $200 billion over time.
“If we are going to grow our GDP from $20 billion to $200 billion, it means almost every home will become a workshop,” he said. “There will be opportunities for our young people everywhere.”
The businessman-turned-politician stressed that transparency and accountability would be central pillars of his administration if elected governor.
“Every penny we make from internally generated revenue and every allocation we receive will be made public,” he declared. “Communities will have input into the budgeting process. Transparency must be the standard.”
He added: “If you are not transparent, then you are not able to achieve anything in that state.”
Mr Lulu-Briggs explained that the “Reset Rivers” mantra goes beyond politics and seeks to restore public confidence in governance, rebuild institutions and reposition the economy.
“Today, Rivers State is split,” he said. “We have become so hateful of one another that even if your twin brother belongs to another political party, you have to be careful how often you visit him.”
“Our politics has become so divisive. If we don’t get the politics right, we won’t get governance right. And if we don’t get governance right, the economy will continue to suffer.”
Comparing Rivers’ economic trajectory with that of Lagos State, he argued that both states were on similar economic footing in 1999 but have since moved in vastly different directions.
“In 1999, Lagos and Rivers had GDPs of about $20 billion. Today, Rivers remains around $20 billion, while Lagos has grown to over $250 billion. That tells the story of stagnation.”
He cited the poor state of critical infrastructure, including the Port Harcourt International Airport and seaports, as evidence of the state’s economic decline.
Recalling a recent meeting with a delegation from the British High Commission, Mr Lulu-Briggs said the lack of electricity and air conditioning in the VIP lounge at Port Harcourt International Airport embarrassed the state.
“When I arrived, there was no air conditioning, no electricity and everywhere was dark,” he recounted. “I asked the delegation, ‘You don’t need me to say anything. It speaks for itself.’”
The NDC candidate said Rivers must urgently reset its politics, governance and economy to unlock its enormous potential.
“You have to reset the politics, open up the political space and allow broad participation,” he said. “You have to reset governance so institutions work and the rule of law is respected. You have to reset the economy and create growth opportunities.”
He also emphasised the importance of education in tackling poverty and driving sustainable development.
