The Rivers State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has outlined his vision for transforming Rivers State, promising to reset the state’s politics, governance and economy if elected governor in 2027.
Lulu-Briggs spoke during a media parley in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, where he fielded questions from journalists on his political journey, business background, previous elections and plans for the state.
Why are you running for Governor of Rivers State?
Lulu-Briggs said his decision to contest is driven by a desire to serve and improve the lives of Rivers people rather than personal political benefits.
He said Rivers State has enormous human and natural resources but has not fully converted those assets into prosperity for its people.
According to him, his objective is to move Rivers State from what he described as “politics without purpose” to purposeful governance, economic production and improved public services.
What does “Reset Rivers State” mean?
He explained that his “Reset Rivers State” agenda is about changing the way the state is governed and creating institutions that work for the people.
His plan focuses on politics, governance, economic development, opportunities for young people, public trust and environmental protection.
He said government should concentrate on providing essential services, developing infrastructure and creating an environment where businesses can thrive rather than using public resources primarily for political patronage.
How do you intend to grow Rivers State’s economy?
One of the biggest proposals unveiled at the parley was Lulu-Briggs’ ambition to grow Rivers State’s economy from an estimated $20 billion to $200 billion within 15 years.
He said this would require diversification beyond oil and gas, with greater investment in the maritime sector, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, the creative economy, aviation, logistics and businesses.
He also proposed making Rivers’ ports more competitive and improving transportation links with major commercial centres such as Onitsha.
Lulu-Briggs argued that Port Harcourt could become a major regional centre for clearing and forwarding, reducing the dependence of businesses in the South-East and South-South on Lagos.
What will your administration do about schools and healthcare?
Lulu-Briggs said government projects must not simply be constructed and abandoned.
He promised that schools and healthcare facilities should be properly equipped, staffed and made functional.
He also spoke about strengthening healthcare delivery across the state, including the recruitment of medical personnel and improving facilities.
What is your plan for Rivers youths?
The NDC candidate said young people must be given opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods rather than being treated merely as political supporters.
He proposed greater support for entrepreneurship, skills development and productive businesses, arguing that government should create an environment where young Rivers people can think big and build successful enterprises.
Why did you withdraw previous election cases?
One of the questions directed at Lulu-Briggs concerned his decision to discontinue previous legal battles over election results.
He explained that his decision following the 2019 election was influenced by the violence surrounding the election and his desire not to plunge Rivers State into another crisis.
He said the circumstances were different in 2023, when he pursued his case through the tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
Lulu-Briggs maintained that his decisions should not be interpreted as political surrender or evidence that he had been bought over.
Have you ever been a political “sellout”?
Responding to allegations that he had abandoned political battles because of political settlements, Lulu-Briggs rejected the claim.
He maintained that he has never been a sellout and said some of his political decisions were based on what he considered to be the wider interest and peace of Rivers State.
Do you have anything to do with Lubrik?
Lulu-Briggs was also questioned about his alleged relationship with Lubrik.
He denied having any direct or indirect business relationship with the company.
He acknowledged that his late father, O.B. Lulu-Briggs, had been a major shareholder in the company but said the company had subsequently been sold and that private entities now hold the major interests.
He challenged anyone claiming that he currently has an interest in Lubrik to provide evidence.
Do you depend on government contracts?
Lulu-Briggs also rejected suggestions that his wealth or businesses were built through government contracts.
He said he does not depend on government contracts and specifically stated that he had never obtained contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), despite his relationship with former NDDC Managing Director Timi Alaibe.
Will you take a salary as Governor?
In one of the strongest personal commitments made during the parley, Lulu-Briggs said just like his Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, he would not take his salary if elected governor.
He said he would channel his salary and allowances to charity, particularly towards helping widows and vulnerable people across Rivers State.
Can you actually deliver the transformation you are promising?
Responding to questions about his capacity to achieve his ambitious economic targets, Lulu-Briggs pointed to his experience building his private business.
He argued that the same principles of discipline, investment and long-term planning used to build a successful private enterprise could be applied to governing Rivers State.
He acknowledged the size of the challenge but maintained that Rivers has the resources, strategic location and human capital required to become a much stronger economy.
What is the central message of your campaign?
Lulu-Briggs said his campaign is ultimately about restoring public purpose to politics and making government work for ordinary Rivers people.
He promised disciplined management of public funds, stronger institutions, economic diversification, functional public services and greater opportunities for young people.
He also emphasised environmental protection, particularly for communities affected by pollution, flooding, coastal erosion and other environmental challenges.
At the heart of his message is his argument that Rivers State does not lack resources; rather, the challenge is converting those resources into jobs, businesses, infrastructure, healthcare, education and better living conditions for its people.
Lulu-Briggs therefore presented the 2027 governorship election as a choice between continuing with the existing political approach and what he describes as a fundamental “Reset Rivers State” agenda.
