Chief Duma Lulu- Briggs is a lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and politician. Recently, he signified intention to contest for governor in Rivers State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In an interview with Daily Sun, the useful aspirant described himself as “the ‘Liberation’ my people deserve.”
What can you say about your political pedigree?
My foray into politics commenced in 1992 when I joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), on which platform I contested as candidate for the House Of Representatives in Akuku Toru Federal Constituency, River State. I was National Assistant Legal Adviser to the Grassroots Democratic Party and in 2003, I contested for the Governorship position of Rivers State against Dr. Peter Odili.
Given your aspiration, what are your expectations come 2015 especially in terms of the dynamics of inter and intra party politics as well as other factors?
The 2015 gubernatorial elections in Rivers State, I believe, should be about who will take the state to a greater height and not about which of the ethnic nationalities in the state will produce the next governor. The terrain has changed from when I first contested in 2003. Now the consultation is so much, our democracy is much more robust, there is no more imposition of candidates. Now everybody is enjoined to work, go to the grassroots and show yourself as acceptable by your people. The groupings have also changed. You have to consult massively and it’s a never ending affair. But I like it, it puts me and my team on our toes to react to the dynamics of the system and forge ahead. So, I feel we have the challenge of managing the multiple conflicts that had been generated by divergent political interests in the state, and we are aware that a polarized PDP needs to come together at a time through somebody who has the might to do that. So, I feel given a level playing ground, I can humbly put things right as the governor of Rivers State.
As a governorship aspirant, what are you bringing to the table?
I tell you, there is need for us to unite Rivers people. We must end the divisiveness and polarization and bring everybody together under one umbrella. At the appropriate time, the PDP will pick its best material. The responsibility of political leadership and government is to create opportunities for everybody so that the corresponding expectation for responsibility from all is also deserved. Like you know, if you don’t provide the opportunities, then it becomes difficult for you to insist that they must lead very responsible life. Rivers State needs liberation and I believe I am the man that can make it happen with the support of the people. We have a population, a people waiting to be helped.
Someone has to do it, and I want to be that person. Let me therefore, engrave on the expectant minds of the good people of Rivers State the reasons I seek the office of Executive Governor of our dear State. It is high time our people insisted on purposeful, insightful leadership. Leadership that must lift artificial weights from the shoulders of the people of Rivers State to clear the paths of laudable pursuits for all, to afford an unfettered start, and a fair chance, in the race of life. The clock could not be ticking with no one listening; the hour could not come with none to herald it. Mighty causes are calling.
That is why I rise to the challenges of this present time. While there may be a lot of good people out there who are interested in the office I seek, I believe I have the qualification, the dedication and the capacity to create the right structure and framework that is both necessary and effective in identifying and implementing the solutions to the myriads of problems we face as a people. Specifically, poverty eradication will be the focus of my administration and I will achieve that goal, by implementing the right parameters for sustainable growth, such as empowerment through education, job creation and human capital development.
While we shall strive to industrialize, we shall also ensure we eliminate dependence on the public sector, create wealth, creation through development of the middle class and small to medium size entrepreneurs and provide peace and security of life and property of every individual and entity in Rivers State. It is on this premise that I ask my kith and kin, the good people of Rivers State to come together in the next elections and vote massively for the PDP and for me. I make bold to say that I live in the inspirations of the pressing needs of this present times. I therefore, pledge eternal fidelity to the just causes and pursuits of every Rivers man, woman and child.
What has been your guiding philosophy?
We are all children of a benevolent God, what is the joy of having when my friends do not have. I have found happiness in being myself and in doing the things that give me pleasure. I believe in making life meaningful to my people and those that have been privileged to come in contact with me. The true worth of a man is in the way he treats people who are absolutely in need. If you care about people in need, you are actually making a contribution to the development of the nation. We need to give life back to the people; democracy is important in the way of governance.
