By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, Dumo Lulu-Briggs has said his ambition is to move the state’s economy from an estimated $20 billion annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to $200 billion in the years ahead.
Lulu-Briggs stated this in remarks posted on his X handle on Sunday, following his meeting with the Ndi’Igbo United Association in Rivers State, where he said the group endorsed his candidacy.
He said achieving the ambitious economic target would require “vision, courage, discipline” and the collective effort of the people of the state.
“Our ambition is to move Rivers State from our present estimated $20 billion annual GDP towards a $200 billion economy within the years ahead,” he said.
“It will require vision. It will require courage. It will require discipline. It will require all of us. But I believe Rivers State can do it.”
The NDC candidate also pledged to create an environment in which businesses, investments and enterprise could thrive, particularly highlighting the contribution of Ndi’Igbo to the state’s economy.
According to him, their businesses, investments, skills, enterprise and contributions to the workforce constitute an important part of Rivers State’s economic capacity.
“A government that understands this will not merely acknowledge that contribution; it will create an environment where that capacity can expand, create more jobs, attract more investment and generate greater prosperity for everyone,” he said.
Lulu-Briggs said his vision was for a Rivers State where residents, workers and investors would feel a sense of belonging, while government would create opportunities rather than obstacles.
He also said the state’s diversity should be transformed into an economic strength rather than a source of division.
The NDC candidate said the Ndi’Igbo United Association had endorsed him because of what it described as his compassionate and servant-leadership style, willingness to listen, collaborative spirit and independent mindset.
He quoted the group as saying: “Enough is Enough,” while declaring its support for his candidacy.
According to him, the association also expressed confidence that his collaboration with Peter Obi “at the centre” would help make Rivers State “a true home away from home for Ndi’Igbo.”
Lulu-Briggs said members of the association further pledged to take an active role in protecting their votes during the election.
He quoted them as saying: “This is our fight, not yours. Last time, we relied on party agents. This time, we will be our own agents. We will guard our votes bumper-to-bumper until the results are counted and announced.”
The candidate said the development reflected growing concern among Rivers people about the direction of the state, asking whether citizens would “side with the bully,” stand by or step forward and declare that “Enough is Enough.”
He argued that the state was at a crossroads and questioned whether Rivers should continue to be governed in a manner in which “the wishes of one individual can appear to determine the fate of millions of people.”
Lulu-Briggs said the gap between Rivers State’s current reality and its economic potential was “too wide,” adding that it could only be closed through intentional leadership, visionary planning, accountability, hard work and commitment to the people.
He cited the administration of Abia State Governor Alex Otti as an example of what he described as intentional leadership, vision and focused execution, saying Rivers could similarly reclaim its reputation as the “Garden City of Nigeria.”
He added that his administration, if elected, would be intentional about restoring the state’s beauty, dignity and reputation.
“Our work is therefore cut out for us. And we must be intentional about it,” he said.
Lulu-Briggs therefore expressed confidence that Rivers State could achieve the economic transformation he envisaged, saying: “Together, we can build the Rivers State we know is possible.”
