Rivers Cannot Afford to be in bondage for Another Four Years – Dagogo

In this Interview with Dr. Farah Dagogo, Rivers State African Democratic Congress (ADC) Governorship aspirant, former House of Representatives member and former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, speaks on the political crises in the state and his template for stability, his visions and why he wants to be governor. He equally gave insights on how he would tackle insecurity, provide affordable health and education, job and wealth creation, youth development. Excerpts:

Rivers State remains one of Nigeria’s wealthiest oil-producing states, yet unemployment, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits persist. What would be the top three priorities of your administration if elected governor?
When elected, every sector of the economy will receive strategic attention because Rivers State has experienced a prolonged decline in governance and public administration. The State cannot afford to be in bondage for another four years. The absence of effective governance has become increasingly evident, and the state cannot continue on this trajectory. Rivers people deserve a new direction, a fresh vision, and a governance model that reflects the aspirations of our founding fathers who fought for the creation of the state.
My administration will be guided by the principles of Diplomacy, Information, Security, and Economy (DISE), a comprehensive governance framework designed to ensure inclusive, effective, and people-oriented leadership.
The DISE framework will prioritize: education reform, healthcare development, youth empowerment, security enhancement, agricultural modernization, Job and wealth creation, infrastructure renewal, housing development and investment promotion among others.
One of our flagship initiatives will be the establishment of a Youth Entrepreneurship Development Trust Fund, backed by legislation, through which at least five percent of the state’s annual capital budget will be allocated to supporting young entrepreneurs. Rivers State has a youthful population, and empowering young people is critical to sustainable economic growth.
In education, we intend to drive industrial and technological advancement through the adoption of STEAMS Education, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Sports, to equip our young people with globally relevant skills for the modern economy.
On security, we will ensure that security funds are transparently and efficiently deployed to guarantee the safety of residents and investors alike. Security resources will no longer operate as discretionary political tools. Our approach will be proactive, intelligence-driven, and community-centered.
Additionally, I strongly believe I possess the temperament and leadership capacity to bridge generational divides and foster unity among Rivers people. Our traditional institutions will also receive the respect, recognition, and partnership they deserve under my administration.
Rivers State politics has become deeply divided due to ongoing leadership conflicts. If elected governor, how would you reunite the political class and restore stability in the state?
The solution is simple: return power to the people. Democracy belongs to the citizens, not to political godfathers or entrenched interests.
Politics should fundamentally be about dialogue, inclusion, consensus-building, and service to society. Unfortunately, our political culture has increasingly shifted toward personal control and power domination rather than democratic participation.
As Abraham Lincoln famously stated, democracy is “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” The legitimacy of government derives from the will of the people, and elected leaders must remain accountable to them.
My administration will prioritize inclusive governance, stakeholder engagement, and institutional respect. We will encourage political participation across generations and backgrounds while ensuring that no individual or group monopolizes political power.
Rivers State needs healing, reconciliation, and a restoration of democratic values. Our allegiance must always be to the people because political offices are temporary, but the people remain permanent stakeholders in the destiny of the state.
Under my leadership, governance will be people-driven, transparent, inclusive, and anchored on justice, fairness, and collective progress.
The Court of Appeal recently upheld a 2007 judgment barring the EFCC from probing the financial affairs of the Rivers State Government. As someone aspiring to govern the state, what is your reaction, and how would you promote accountability in government?
This legal dispute dates back nearly two decades. In 2007, recall that the Rivers State Government relied on constitutional provisions relating to state finances and argued that the EFCC lacked the constitutional authority to investigate the state’s financial dealings. The High Court granted an injunction against the EFCC, and notably, the Commission did not appeal the judgment.
Many legal experts have argued that the case reflected the political realities of that era, particularly regarding the presidential ambitions of former Governor Sir Peter Odili. Once those political concerns subsided, the EFCC appeared to lose interest in pursuing the matter further.
The recent Court of Appeal judgment simply reaffirmed that the earlier ruling remains binding because it was never challenged through the proper appellate process. The court also emphasized the supremacy of constitutional interpretation over statutory provisions.
However, beyond the legal debate lies the broader issue of accountability and transparency in governance. Accountability must never depend solely on federal anti-corruption agencies. Strong institutions within the state are equally essential.
The 2007 suit itself acknowledged that constitutional oversight responsibilities rest with institutions such as: the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Auditor-General, and the Accountant-General.
When given the mandate as governor, my administration will strengthen these institutions and ensure they operate independently, professionally, and without political interference. We will institutionalize transparency, strengthen financial oversight mechanisms, and ensure that public resources are managed strictly in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
As a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), what specifically led to the decline of the party and your eventual move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)? Why do you believe the ADC offers a better future for Rivers State and Nigeria?
Leaving the PDP was not an easy decision for me because the party provided the platform through which I served both in the Rivers State House of Assembly and the National Assembly. Naturally, I remain emotionally attached to the party’s history and contributions.
However, it is important that history is honestly examined. The internal crises that weakened the PDP began long before the 2015 general elections. Decisions driven by personal interests and internal power struggles led to the marginalization of key stakeholders, including then, Governor Chibuike Amaechi. Those developments contributed significantly to the exit of influential leaders from the PDP and ultimately strengthened the opposition.
Following the loss of power at the federal level, unresolved internal divisions and the pursuit of narrow interests further weakened the party. Unfortunately, the PDP gradually lost its national dominance and cohesion.
My decision to join the ADC was therefore driven by conviction, not political survival. I believe the ADC represents an opportunity to rebuild democratic values, strengthen institutions, and restore people-centered governance in Nigeria.
The ADC is committed to; rule of law, electoral integrity, institutional independence, security of lives and property, quality healthcare and education, economic inclusion, respect for constitutional democracy
Nigeria’s democratic challenges stem largely from weak institutions and the overconcentration of power in individuals rather than systems. As former U.S. President Barack Obama rightly observed, Africa often suffers from “strong men instead of strong institutions.” The ADC is committed to reversing that trend by strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountable governance.

Critics argue that political defections in Nigeria are often driven by personal ambition rather than ideology. How would you convince Rivers people that your move to the ADC is about service and not political survival?
My political history speaks for itself. Despite the challenges I faced within the PDP, including my inability to participate in the 2023 governorship primaries under circumstances many considered unfair, I remained loyal to the party and continued to work for its success during the elections.
I actively campaigned and successfully delivered my local government area for the PDP across all elective positions presidential, governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly elections , a rare achievement in Rivers State at the time.
That level of commitment demonstrates loyalty, discipline, and service beyond personal ambition. If my decisions were solely driven by self-interest, I would have abandoned the party much earlier under difficult circumstances.
My move to the ADC is therefore based on the need for a credible platform that aligns with my vision for good governance, institutional reforms, and the empowerment of Rivers people.