By Joyce Ekeh
Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has dismissed the growing political coalition associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying the group poses no threat to his ambition in the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.
Lulu-Briggs also pledged that he would not collect his salary or allowances if elected governor, saying his monthly remuneration would instead be used to support less privileged people in the state.
The NDC candidate spoke on Monday at Buguma City in Asari-Toru Local Government Area during the unveiling of his manifesto and campaign roadmap, tagged “Reset Rivers State.”
Responding to questions about the Wike-backed coalition, Lulu-Briggs said the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by Rivers voters, not political alliances.
He described the coalition as a platform that had already lost its political appeal.
“I am not bothered about any form of coalition. I know that the rainbow has already lost its colour. Our people should have confidence in their ability to achieve the utmost.”
Lulu-Briggs claimed that the combined strength of members of the coalition represented less than seven per cent of Rivers State’s population and urged his supporters not to be intimidated by the group.
“If you put their numbers together, they are less than 7% of the population of the state. The coalition is something we can overcome.”
I will not take salary as governor
The NDC candidate said his proposed administration would be built around transparency, accountability and personal sacrifice.
He pledged that, if elected, he would forgo his official salary and channel it towards assisting vulnerable people, particularly widows.
“When we have the opportunity to manage government resources, I can promise Rivers people that every penny will be accounted for.”
He added: “I’m sure I’m going to be like my principal, the presidential candidate, Peter Obi. I will not even be asking for any salary. Every month, any salary will go into assisting one widow or the other.”
Lulu-Briggs said his financial independence would enable him to serve without relying on government remuneration.
He also said he would not require a pension after leaving office because his private businesses would continue to provide for him.
“The way we have gone, there will be no need to even pension me because I’m sure that my businesses will still be running.”
Promises to rebuild trust in government
The governorship candidate said Rivers State was facing what he described as a “frightening” trust deficit between citizens and those in government.
He promised to deliberately rebuild confidence in government if elected.
“People need to begin to have faith in their government again. The trust deficit between the ruled and the rulership is frightening.”
Lulu-Briggs said his proposed “reset” would cover the state’s economy, politics, governance and access to opportunities.
He urged Rivers voters to support his campaign, promising to pursue innovation and make better use of the state’s resources.
“Just give us your support, give us your prayers. Let’s navigate this mucky waters of Rivers politics and we reset Rivers State.”
He added:
“We will not be defined by the things that God has blessed us with only, but by the innovative things that we are able to create.”
