Dumo Lulu-Briggs, governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers, says he would not receive salary and allowances if elected.

Speaking with journalists in Buguma, headquarters of Asari Toru LGA, Lulu-Briggs said the money would instead be used to support widows across the state.

He added that he would emulate Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the party, in making the sacrifice.

“When we have the opportunity to manage government resources, I can promise Rivers people that their every penny would be accounted for,” he said.

“I will follow the example of my principal, Peter Obi, by refusing to collect the governor’s salary. Instead, those funds will be directed towards programmes and initiatives that will directly benefit the people of Rivers state.

“I’m sure I’m going to be like my principal campaigning for president, Peter Obi. I would not even be asking for any salary. Every month, any salary would go into assisting one widow or the other.”

Lulu-Briggs added that no coalition can override the will of the people if elections are free and fair.

“I am not bothered about any coalition,” he declared.

“I have ultimate confidence in the capacity of Rivers people to make informed decisions. The people know what they want, and they would protect their votes to ensure that every vote counts.

“There was a time when Goliath stood beating his chest and asking, ‘where is that man in Israel?’ Then David came and Goliath fell. So, I am not worried about any coalition. What I know is that the people have lost patience with the current situation and are looking for a new direction.”

On political tensions in the state, Lulu-Briggs said it is the erosion of the unity that once defined the state.

I don’t understand this obsession with ethnicity,” the governorship candidate said.

“There was a time in Rivers state when we did not know who was Kalabari, who was Ikwerre, who was Ogoni or who was from the riverine communities. We were all brothers and sisters.

“Today, we have become so disunited and spiteful of one another because some people believe ethnicity is the ultimate truth. It is not. Ethnicity, like religion and other social identities, cannot be the foundation for building a successful state.”

Lulu-Briggs said his administration would create an inclusive political environment

We must open up the political space and give everybody a fair chance. Rivers belongs to all of us. We have inter-ethnic marriages, our children belong to different ethnic groups, and our future is tied together. The governor must be deliberate in promoting peace, inclusion and unity,” he noted.

Lulu-Briggs added that economic growth can only be achieved through effective governance and strategic investments in people.

“If you don’t get governance right, you won’t get the economy right. If governance fails, the economy would be a lie,” he said.

“We are going to invest in human opportunity. We would equip our young people with the skills they need to compete and succeed in a highly competitive world.

“If you need N2 million, N10 million, N20 million or even N30 million to grow a viable business, we would create systems that make such support available through interest-free loans and structured financing.

“When we grow the state’s economy from where it is today to where it should be, almost every home can become a workshop, a place of productivity and innovation. That means more opportunities for our young people.