Two gubernatorial candidates in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and Dr. Dawari George, recently took their campaigns to the palace of the king of Degema — His Excellency, King (Dr.) Reuben Amos Zechariah.
On the two separate occasions, the king received the candidates along with the members of the Degema Council of Chiefs such as: Chiefs Precious Abadi, Oho-Osuo Francis, E.E.H Abbey, B.S. Ere mini, etc. In the entourage of Dr. George were his deputy, Barr. Tonnie Anoruewhom as well as other candidates of the Action Alliance Party for the different positions. The same also applies for Chief Lulu-Briggs.
In his address, King Amos who is also the chairman of the Advisory Council of the United Nations in Nigeria, chairman of the Ogua Congress — a group of descendants of Benin kingdom in the diaspora, as well as a grand patron of Ijaw Nations, welcomed the candidates. In his separate speeches, he enjoined them to make youth empowerment their priority as the youths were suffering due to unemployment.
He also decried the situation where the rivers and swamps around Degema have remained undeveloped to serve as wealth generation avenues for the people.
He also lamented that even though his stool is forty-five years old and the oldest in Rivers State, it has remained third class in terms of classification.
He reminded all that Dr. George’s father was a bosom friend who taught them to fear God and enjoined him to emulate his father in case he wins.
In his response, Dr. George promised to look into the issues presented by the king and lamented that even though Degema was one of the places given priority during the colonial era, other areas have left it behind in terms of development.
Chief Lulu-Briggs spoke in similar vein and went ahead to promise the king a 3.6 KVA generator as his palace was in darkness when he came.
He also revealed that his grandmother was from Degema and promised restoring Degema’s lost glory.
The king blessed the candidates and their entourage.
