As Nigeria marks Democracy Day 2026, respected Rivers leader and statesman, Opuda (Alabo) Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has called on citizens to see democracy not as a privilege handed to them, but as a collective responsibility that must be protected, nurtured, and sustained.
In his Democracy Day message, Lulu-Briggs reflected on the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s heroes past in securing democratic governance and emphasized the need for citizens to remain committed to preserving the ideals for which they fought.
According to him, the democratic journey in Rivers State over the past 27 years has been marked by both progress and challenges.
“It carried both promise and pain, sometimes in the same election cycle,” he noted.
Despite its imperfections, he described democracy as the best system of government because it guarantees equal participation for all citizens, regardless of status, occupation, or background.
“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 in our collective future,” he said.
Lulu-Briggs stressed that Democracy Day serves as a reminder that power ultimately belongs to the people and that Rivers State is a shared inheritance belonging to all ethnic nationalities and communities across the state.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers of Rivers State, whose struggle for state creation was rooted in the desire to guarantee freedom, political participation, and opportunities for future generations.
“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 stated.
Acknowledging the frustrations and growing discontent among many residents, Lulu-Briggs urged citizens not to become discouraged or abandon the democratic process.
He maintained that the answer to the state’s challenges is not withdrawal but active engagement and a renewed commitment to reclaiming and strengthening democratic institutions.
“Our forebears fought for it, and we must not trade that inheritance for division. We have the responsibility to protect and preserve our state,” he said.
Highlighting Rivers State’s vast economic potential, particularly its waterways, blue economy, and youthful population, he emphasized that democracy only becomes meaningful when citizens can freely choose their leaders, demand accountability, and access information without restriction.
Lulu-Briggs further called for unity, tolerance, and peaceful political participation, urging Rivers people to reject violence and hatred even in moments of disagreement.
“We will disagree without violence, we will compete without hate, and we will protect our state, its people, its unity, its wealth, and its future,” he declared.
Concluding his Democracy Day message, the elder statesman expressed optimism about the future of Rivers State, affirming his belief that the state would overcome its current challenges and rise to greater heights.
“Rivers State shall rise again,” he declared.
He wished all Rivers people and Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and prayed for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for both Rivers State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.