June 12 – Lulu‑Briggs: Democracy Is a Responsibility, Not a Gift, for All Nigerians

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

As Nigeria celebrates the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 elections and the 27th year of uninterrupted civilian rule, Alabo Dumo Lulu‑Briggs, the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), reminded voters that democracy is a responsibility shared by all Nigerians.

In a statement he personally signed yesterday, the Kalabari‑born industrialist reflected on the sacrifices made by “our heroes past” to establish and maintain democracy in the country.

Lulu‑Briggs urged the people of Rivers State to remain resilient and to reclaim their state amid ongoing challenges.

He said, “For us in Rivers State, democracy has, over the last 27 years since 1999, impacted us in many ways. It has brought both promise and pain, sometimes within the same election cycle.”

“But democracy is the only system where the fisherman in Bille, the market woman in Mile 3, the farmer in Emohua, and the teacher in Bori each have one vote, one voice and one stake. Democracy is not perfect, but it remains the best form of government.”

According to him, “On a day like this, we only need to remind ourselves that power belongs to the people. It is a day to remind us that we own Rivers State together: Ikwerre, Ijaw, Ogoni, Etche, Ogba, Ndoki, Ndoni, Omuma, Abua, Ekpeye and others.”

“Our founding fathers fought for the creation of this state so that we and our children can live freely, vote without fear, speak without threat, and build without being inhibited.”

“Today, the disappointments and weariness in our people’s voices are loud and I understand it. My answer, and I hope yours too, is not to walk away but to reclaim what belongs to us. Our forebears fought for it and we must not trade that inheritance for division. We have the responsibility to protect and preserve our state.”

Lulu‑Briggs, who noted that Rivers State sits on enormous wealth, said, “Our waterways, our blue economy, our brilliant and restless young people who deserve better. Democracy becomes real when the right to choose, the right to demand accountability, and the right to know are guaranteed.”

He also urged citizens not to give up but to renew their faith in the unity and progress of the State, adding that “We will disagree without violence, we will compete without hate, we will protect our state, its people, its unity, its wealth and its future.”