The NDC governorship candidate says he plans to drive growth by tapping into Rivers State’s tourism, creative, maritime and business sectors.

Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dumo Lulu-Briggs, says his ambition is to transform Rivers State from an estimated $20 billion economy into a $200 billion economy if elected governor.

Lulu-Briggs made this known on Monday during a media parley at his country home in Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said his vision is to expand the economy by harnessing Rivers State’s tourism, creative, maritime and business potentials, while creating an environment that attracts investment and provides more opportunities for residents.

“Our ambition is to move Rivers State from our present estimated 20 billion dollar annual GDP towards a 200 billion dollar economy within the years ahead,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs noted that achieving the target would require deliberate investment in infrastructure, reliable power, logistics, skills development, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, enterprise and other productive sectors.

He also wants the state’s ports to become more viable, with shorter and better transport connections linking Rivers to Onitsha and other commercial centres.

According to him, this would position Port Harcourt as a major destination for clearing and forwarding, reducing the need for businesses in the region to move their goods through Lagos.

He said the state must also fully harness its tourism and creative industry potentials as alternative sources of economic growth and employment.

On the youths, Lulu-Briggs promises what he describes as quality engagement, entrepreneurial opportunities and government support to enable young people to build sustainable livelihoods.

He also promises to ensure that government-built schools and healthcare centres are functional, properly equipped and effectively managed.

“Schools and health centres built are supposed to be functional and well equipped and running,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs says his governance plan also includes strengthening democratic institutions in Rivers State, with political participation based on credibility rather than fear, oppression or political connections.

“Anybody can vie to be whatever, and if they are credible enough, they will be able to win without being scared or being oppressed,” he said.

The NDC candidate also used the media chat to reject allegations that he abandons electoral contests after political settlements.

He explained that his decision not to pursue his 2019 election result at the tribunal followed the violence that accompanied the election, saying he did not want further litigation to plunge the state into another round of crisis.

“I said, ‘Let me give peace a chance.’ But I fought that election to the very end,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs said the circumstances were different in 2023, when he pursued his challenge through the tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

He said he eventually withdrew the Supreme Court case after concluding that continuing with it could work against what he considered the emerging interest of Rivers people at the time.

“I will withdraw my case in the interest of Rivers people,” he said.

The candidate insists the decision was not a political settlement or an indication that he had sold out.

“I have never been a sellout, and I cannot be a sellout,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs also rejected allegations of dependence on government contracts, saying his businesses were built independently of government patronage.

“I don’t do contracts,” he said, adding that he had never secured contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, despite his relationship with former managing director Timi Alaibe.

He also denied having any direct or indirect business relationship with Lubrik, acknowledging only that his late father was once a major shareholder in the company.

“If there is anybody who says that I have anything to do with Lubrik, the person should come forward with the evidence. Not a penny has been paid to me by Lubrik,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs says his entry into politics is driven by what he describes as his commitment to the people rather than the pursuit of personal benefits.

“I’m not a regular politician. What drives me into politics is my humanity, and that will not change,” he said.

He says that commitment extends to supporting Rivers residents regardless of their political choices.

“In and out of season, what I do for Rivers people, investing in the lives of Rivers people, I continue to do,” he said.

As part of his pledge of personal sacrifice, Lulu-Briggs says he will not take his official salary if elected governor.

“I will not take a dime from the salaries as Governor of Rivers State. I will channel it straight to charity,” he said.

He says his experience of building his private business from a modest beginning has given him the confidence to pursue a similar transformation for Rivers State.

“If I could do that with my own private business, I would be able to do the same for Rivers State,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs says he is therefore committed to the governorship contest and intends to remain in the race until the end.