Lulu-Briggs Rejects Rainbow Coalition, Promises Change for Rivers if Elected Governor

Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, says he is not worried about the Rainbow Coalition. He believes that the people of Rivers hold the power to shape the future of the state.

Speaking with reporters in Port Harcourt on Monday about his "Reset Rivers" agenda, Mr Lulu-Briggs expressed full confidence in the ability of Rivers people to make smart choices during elections.

The Rainbow Coalition is a multi-party political group formed by Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

"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."

Using a story from the Bible, 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 spoke about the rising issue of ethnic division in Rivers. He warned that politicians who use ethnic feelings for political gain are hurting 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."

He said that ethnicity, religion, and similar factors should not be the basis for good 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 called the unemployment situation in Rivers alarming. He pointed out that despite the state's many resources, it struggles to create jobs.

He promised to push for a strong economic growth plan, focusing on skills development, entrepreneurship, and support for private businesses.

"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 offer interest-free loans to small and medium businesses through banks if he becomes 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 a goal to grow 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 emphasized that transparency and accountability would be key principles of his government.

"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" idea goes beyond politics. It aims to restore trust in governance, rebuild institutions, and revamp 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."

He compared Rivers' economic growth to that of Lagos State, noting that both states were similar in 1999 but have taken different paths since then.

"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 pointed out the poor state of essential infrastructure, including the Port Harcourt International Airport and seaports, as proof of the state’s economic decline.

Recalling a recent meeting with a team 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 was embarrassing for 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 quickly reset its politics, governance, and economy to realize its full 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 highlighted the need for education to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.

"We must invest heavily in education. Our public schools used to be among the best. We need to return to those standards because education remains the surest path to prosperity."

Responding to claims that he prioritizes personal business over political ambition, Mr Lulu-Briggs firmly rejected these accusations. He said his political involvement is about serving Rivers people, not making money.

"I’m not a regular politician. What drives me into politics is my humanity. In and out of season, I continue to invest in the lives of Rivers people."

He talked about his actions after the 2019 and 2023 elections, saying he took steps that he believed were best for peace and stability in Rivers.

"My primary concern has always been Rivers State and its young people. Whatever I will do to ensure that Rivers State is prioritized, I will do."

Mr Lulu-Briggs also dismissed claims that he has business interests in Lubrik Construction, a company often discussed in Rivers politics. He challenged anyone with proof linking him to the company to come forward.

"Not a penny has come to me from Lubrik," he declared. "I have no direct or indirect relationship with the company. If it is because of me that their contracts were cancelled, then I am asking that their contracts be returned."

Mr Lulu-Briggs urged Rivers people to come together for a shared vision of the future and support what he calls a plan for renewal.

"It’s not about candidates. It’s about making sure our state is productive, and our people are productive. Every second and every minute, I will do my utmost for the benefit and well-being of Rivers people."