JUST IN: South-South chiefs move to end ‘autocracy’ in Rivers

Some chiefs and elders in the South-South have said it was time to put an end to autocracy in Rivers State as the 2023 elections beckons.

Speaking at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Thursday, under the auspices of the South-South Chiefs, Elders and Opinion Leaders Association of Nigeria, they said it was a shame that some politicians have started recruiting thugs for next year’s election.

The National Chairman, High-Chief Omubo Harry, said Rivers people have suffered enough and now deserve good governance devoid of any form of autocracy.

Harry said the group was backing the state governorship candidate of the Accord Party, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, describing him as a thorough-bred gentleman who has no godfather and can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He said, “It is a shame that politicians are recruiting thugs for the 2023 general elections. But Dumo Lulu-Briggs is a clean gentleman that can lead us to the promised land.

“He doesn’t have any political godfather. We have a very strong conviction that with Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs as governor, Rivers State will liberate state from autocracy and indiscipline leadership.

“With due respect for the people, Chiefs and traditional rulers, right now traditional rulers are like house boys. But with Dumo Lulu-Briggs nobody will tell us you, come here, you go there.”

He further said following the antecedents of other governorship candidates, Dumo Lulu-Briggs remains the most competent candidate who does not have a political godfather.

The group also rejected the Water Resouces Bill before the National Assembly, describing it as provocative.

“Having studied the antecedents of all the governorship candidates and their sponsors; having come to the conclusion that the next Rivers State Governor must lead the people to the promised land, we hereby declare support for Dumo Lulu-Briggs come 2023.

“With Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Rivers State will be liberated from autocracy. Dumo Lulu-Briggs will bring development, unity and justice in Rivers State come 2023.

“As God lives, good governance will be installed in Rivers State. Dumo Lulu-Briggs has no political godfather to order him around,” Harry said.

In his speech, leader of Niger Delta Students Association, Maalo Dgreat, said Dumo-Lulu-Briggs without being in government has impacted youths and students within and outside the state.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Alabota Dateme, said, “We need a government who will give us development, scholarships, healthcare at our doorsteps and it is only one person who can do that. Dumo Lulu-Briggs is our only chance come 2023.”