2027: WE HAVE PUT OUR HANDS TO THE PLOUGH — NO LOOKING BACK As the 2027 General Elections draw nearer, and as a party committed to a serious Rescue Mission, we are leaving no stone unturned. We are fully aware that, having set out to Pursue, Overtake and Recover All that has been taken from our people, we must remain vigilant and committed until this mission is accomplished. For this reason, the leadership of our Party held a strategic extraordinary Congress meeting yesterday, where we put our hands to the plough, resolved not to look back, and reaffirmed our determination to march forward towards the finish line. It was a gathering of think-tanks, where viable ideas were shared and strategic decisions taken to strengthen our structures, deepen our mobilisation and close every gap that could stand in the way of our mission. Above all, we thank God for the “I-can-do” spirit within our Party. I am particularly encouraged by the wealth of experience available to us through our caucus leadership, people who have been in the political arena for decades and whose experience continues to add tremendous value to our collective journey. But we must understand something very important. The next election is not merely about securing a party ticket or having a national platform from which to contest. It is about the future of Rivers State and Nigeria at large. And that future begins with one fundamental truth: RIVERS STATE BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE. Not to one individual. Not to a select few. Not to those who temporarily occupy positions of authority. Rivers State belongs to its people. Therefore, as candidates and stakeholders, we must recognise that we have a responsibility that goes beyond personal ambition. It is a responsibility born out of sacrificial love for our people and our country. I told our members that Rivers State has done tremendously well for me, and the greatest way I can repay that privilege is by giving back to society. I want to be Governor because I believe I have something meaningful to contribute, something that can help improve the living standards of our people and create a State where opportunity, security, peace, quality healthcare and education are accessible to all. That is why our mission must be bigger than any individual. This is not about Dumo. It is not about one person. What is truly on the ballot is the future, prosperity, security, peace, health, education and dignity of the people of Rivers State. And that is why we must RESET RIVERS STATE. A reset that restores accountability. A reset that puts the people at the centre of government. A reset that brings back quality education and drives ignorance far from every man, woman and child. A reset that unlocks the enormous economic potential of our State and creates opportunities for our young people. A reset that restores peace, security, dignity and hope. A reset that makes government once again a servant of the people. So I asked them: At a time like this, when so many Rivers people feel that the affairs of our State have become concentrated in the hands of too few, can we afford to lack the courage to demand a better way? We must rise as stakeholders and take the bold steps necessary to restore purposeful leadership to our State. Because Rivers State belongs to the people. And because it belongs to the people, we must Reset Rivers State. We have put our hands to the plough. There is no looking back. To God be all the glory.

AS WE CONTINUE TO CONSULT WITH THE PEOPLE OF RIVERS STATE Yesterday, the consultative train arrived at the Okuru-Ama Community, Okuru Town Hall, where we met with the Council of Chiefs, CDC, Elders, Women and Youths to seek their support for the forthcoming 2027 General Election. As usual, our entrance was received with a magnificent welcome, one that clearly reflected the community's anticipation and desire for a new direction. According to them, Rivers State needs to breathe fresh air, and there can never be a better time than now, with another election season approaching, to begin the journey towards that new possibility. It gave me great joy and strengthened my conviction that the people of Okuru-Ama, too, hunger for the possibility of a New Rivers State, one already anchored in the living soul of the NDC. I made them understand that the support we seek from them is ultimately for the good of Okuru-Ama, her people, and Rivers State at large. I reminded them of a time when we all lived as one big family. Though made up of diverse ethnic nationalities and cultures, love, unity, peace and contentment birthed the remarkable progress that once made Rivers State the envy of other states in the country. Indeed, it was that progress that earned us the proud identity of the Treasure Base of the Nation, while Port Harcourt became known as the “Garden City.” Sadly, today, we are only a shadow of that glorious past. I also reminded them of how Lagos State, which once looked up to Rivers State, now looks down on us, not because Rivers State lacks the capacity to excel, but because we have failed in our collective responsibility to properly harness and develop the enormous natural and human resources with which God has blessed our State. For these reasons and many more, the NDC needs their support to recover what has been lost and restore the prosperity, dignity and progress that our people deserve. We need a government built on servant leadership, a government that puts the people first and works deliberately to rebuild trust, unity, peace and prosperity across Rivers State. In response, the Chairman of the Okuru-Ama Council of Chiefs, Sir Chief I.C.Q.B. Inekamiefama, together with his Chiefs, demonstrated their support for the party by traditionally decorating me and handing over to me the symbol of their authority, with prayers and their charge to go forth and succeed. This gesture is deeply appreciated, and I do not take their confidence and support for granted. To God be the Glory.

There are many things that can be random in life as human expressions. But service is one thing that cannot be random. The reason is simple. To decide to serve is to commit to the forfeiture of self for the gain and growth of others. Interestingly, when you do this consistently and it becomes a habit, it begins to look selfless. It looks easy. But it is only easy because you have become comfortable with sacrificing for others. That is what service means this week. Let us truly understand what it means to serve the people around us, and let us act as people who have been called to serve. Your week is already blessed. Enjoy. #DLBLegacy