Democracy is a responsibility, not a gift, for all Nigerians: Lulu-Briggs

As Nigeria marks the 33rd anniversary of June 12, 1993, and 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has articulated that democracy is not merely a gift but a profound responsibility shared by all Nigerians. He paid homage to the sacrifices of past heroes who championed and sustained democratic governance in the nation.

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For us in Rivers State, democracy has in the last 27 years, since 1999, impacted us in different ways. It carried both promise and pain, sometimes in the same election cycle.

Lulu-Briggs addressed the people of Rivers State, acknowledging the mixed impacts of democracy over the past 27 years, which have brought both promise and pain. He underscored the fundamental principle of democracy: that every individual, from a fisherman in Bille to a market woman in Mile 3, a farmer in Emohua, or a teacher in Bori, possesses an equal vote, voice, and stake. While admitting democracy's imperfections, he affirmed it as the superior form of government.

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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 has just one vote, one voice and one stake. Democracy is not perfect but it remains the best form of government.

"Power belongs to the people," Lulu-Briggs declared, emphasizing collective ownership of Rivers State across its diverse ethnic groups. He lamented the current disappointments and weariness among the populace but urged them not to abandon the democratic inheritance. Instead, he called for a united effort to reclaim the state, honoring the struggles of their forebears. He highlighted Rivers State's vast wealth, including its blue economy and its young, dynamic population, asserting that democracy's true realization lies in guaranteed rights to choose, demand accountability, and access information.

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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.

Concluding with a call for renewed faith, Lulu-Briggs encouraged citizens to embrace unity and progress. He envisioned a future where disagreements occur without violence, competition is free from hate, and the state's people, unity, wealth, and future are protected. His message is one of resilience and collective action to ensure democracy serves the people of Rivers State effectively.

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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.