…Calls on citizens to reject division, strengthen democratic values

Prominent Rivers State leader and businessman, Opuda Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has called on citizens of Rivers State and Nigerians at large to recommit themselves to the ideals of democracy, insisting that democracy is not a gift but a responsibility that must be actively protected and nurtured.

In a Democracy Day message released on Friday, Lulu-Briggs reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the experiences of Rivers State since the return to civil rule in 1999, describing the period as one marked by both progress and challenges.

The message comes amid growing national conversations about governance, democratic accountability and citizen participation as Nigeria marks another anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule.

According to him, while democracy may not be perfect, it remains the most inclusive system of government because it gives every citizen an equal stake in determining the future of society.

“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 has just one vote, one voice and one stake,” he stated.

The Rivers elder noted that Democracy Day offers an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s democratic heroes whose struggles paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today.

He emphasized that political power ultimately belongs to the people and urged residents of Rivers State to remember their shared ownership of the state regardless of ethnic, political or social differences.

Lulu-Briggs highlighted the diversity of Rivers State, stressing that communities across the state—including Ikwerre, Ijaw, Ogoni, Etche, Ogba, Ndoki, Ndoni, Omuma, Abua and Ekpeye—are united by a common destiny and responsibility to preserve the state’s peace and development.

“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,” he said.

The businessman and philanthropist acknowledged growing public frustration and disillusionment among many residents, saying he understood the disappointment and weariness being expressed across the state.

However, he urged citizens not to abandon the democratic process but to actively engage in reclaiming and strengthening it.

“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,” he declared.

He warned against allowing divisions to undermine the state’s progress, noting that previous generations fought hard to secure democratic freedoms and political self-determination for Rivers people.

Lulu-Briggs further pointed to Rivers State’s enormous economic potential, citing its vast waterways, blue economy opportunities and youthful population as key assets capable of driving future prosperity.

According to him, democracy can only have real meaning when citizens are able to freely choose their leaders, demand accountability from those in authority and have access to information about how they are governed.

He therefore called on residents to renew their faith in the unity and progress of the state while embracing peaceful political participation and tolerance.

“We will disagree without violence, we will compete without hate, we will protect our state, its people, its unity, its wealth and its future,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the future, Lulu-Briggs declared that Rivers State would overcome its present challenges and emerge stronger.

“Rivers State shall rise again,” he stated while extending Democracy Day greetings to Rivers people and all Nigerians.