Lulu-Briggs, who spoke during a media interaction in Rivers State, said political division, weak institutions, poor infrastructure and underutilisation of the state’s natural resources had hindered its development.

“If you don’t get the politics right, you won’t get the governance right. If you don’t get the governance right, the economy would be as porous as it is today,” he said.

He said his ambition went beyond winning an election, stressing that Rivers needed to recover its lost sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Recalling his childhood, Lulu-Briggs said communities once raised children collectively, shared resources and treated residents as one family, regardless of ethnicity or background.

He lamented that politics had eroded that bond, saying, “If you have a twin brother and he happens to be in another political party, you would have to mind how many times you visit his house without being suspected of planning something or a conspiracy.”

The NDC candidate questioned why Rivers, despite its oil wealth, coastline, ports and airport, had failed to record economic growth comparable to Lagos.

He said the state required massive investment in infrastructure, proposing a 200-kilometre bi-directional expressway linking Esaka through Bakana and Tombia to the East-West Road.

According to him, improved road networks would reduce travel time, boost trade and attract investments in ports, logistics, hospitality and other sectors.

He also proposed collaboration with the Federal Government to develop a bonded container terminal around the Andoni-Okrika axis to complement the Onne Port corridor.

Lulu-Briggs said tourism and the creative economy could also become major revenue earners, citing Rivers’ coastline, forests and wildlife potential.

On education, he said his administration would prioritise public schools and equip young people with skills in technology, oil and gas, logistics and other emerging sectors.

“Poverty eradication will be nonsense if you don’t chase ignorance out,” he said.

To support small businesses, he proposed between N20 billion and N30 billion in interest-free loans through banks, with viable businesses potentially accessing between N5 million and N15 million, depending on their needs and capacity.

He also promised to strengthen healthcare by recruiting more doctors and offering incentives for professionals willing to work in rural communities, with the long-term ambition of making Rivers a medical tourism destination.

On governance, Lulu-Briggs pledged to publish government revenues and expenditures, including internally generated revenue and federal allocations.

“Transparency will be my watchword,” he declared, adding that technology would be deployed to streamline land administration and automate Certificates of Occupancy.

He also vowed to challenge godfatherism and political patronage, insisting that political opportunities should be based on merit rather than wealth or connections.

“I have no godfather, except God, the Father,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs also denied allegations linking him personally to contracts involving the Lulu-Briggs Group, insisting: “I am not a contractor.”

As the 2027 contest gathers momentum, he urged Rivers voters to protect their votes and look beyond political personalities.

“Yes, I am the candidate of the NDC, but what is truly on the ballot is Rivers State,” he said.

Lulu-Briggs, who cited his experience in business and public institutions, said his ultimate objective was to restore confidence in government and build an inclusive economy.

“We’re going to use the best of us to work for the rest of us,” he said.