Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, has made a remarkable pledge to reject his salary and allowances as governor if elected. This pledge was made during a news conference in Buguma, where he emphasized his commitment to transparency, accountability, and personal sacrifice in governance. Lulu-Briggs stated that the funds would instead be utilized to support widows across Rivers State.
Lulu-Briggs drew inspiration from his presidential principal, Peter Obi, who is known for his sacrificial leadership style. He assured the people of Rivers State that every naira entrusted to his administration would be accounted for. According to him, his financial independence, derived from his businesses, would enable him to serve without depending on government remuneration. This, he believes, would help restore public confidence in government and demonstrate that political office is about service rather than personal enrichment.
The NDC candidate expressed concern over the existing trust deficit between Rivers people and those governing them. He described this situation as frightening and promised to deliberately rebuild the relationship if elected. Lulu-Briggs emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable groups. He vowed to pursue a comprehensive "reset" of Rivers State, covering the economy, politics, governance, and access to opportunities.
Lulu-Briggs' proposed reset aims to ensure that citizens no longer need political connections to access government opportunities. He promised to invest heavily in young people, as he believes the future of Rivers State depends more on developing its human resources than merely exploiting its natural resources. The NDC candidate emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity in driving the state's growth and development.
On governance, Lulu-Briggs pledged to reform the state civil service, which he described as the engine of government. He blamed the concentration of contracts and government activities at the Government House for weakening ministries and contributing to the decline of the service. Lulu-Briggs also promised substantial investment in healthcare, particularly the rehabilitation and activation of primary healthcare centers across the state.
To improve healthcare delivery, Lulu-Briggs said his administration would recruit more doctors and provide incentives, including accommodation and inconvenience allowances, to encourage medical professionals to serve in rural communities. He emphasized the need to make rural healthcare more attractive and accessible to medical professionals. Lulu-Briggs also highlighted the importance of strengthening the nursing workforce and improving patient care in the state's hospitals.
Lulu-Briggs' ultimate objective is to use public office to restore trust, expand opportunities, and ensure that Rivers' natural wealth translates into improved living conditions for its people. He called on the people of Rivers State to support him in his bid to reset the state and navigate the challenges of Rivers politics. With his pledge to prioritize the welfare of citizens and promote transparency and accountability, Lulu-Briggs is set to offer a new approach to governance in Rivers State.
Key points
- Lulu-Briggs pledges to reject salary and allowances as governor to support widows across Rivers State.
- The NDC candidate promises to pursue a comprehensive "reset" of Rivers State, covering the economy, politics, governance, and access to opportunities.
- Lulu-Briggs vows to reform the state civil service and invest substantially in healthcare, particularly in rural communities.
