General Update And State Of The Nation

I know quite a few of my friends will be wondering and asking themselves; “Why is Tonye so quiet?” I have not even left the country since the election. I've been here. I simply directed my focus to another part of my life. Business! Let me quickly remind you that my reason for joining politics was not to be the winner of everything or its loudest critic, but soley to impact positively (not negatively) on the lives of my people. Taking lives to get into power is not my portion. I came to save lives and empower them. Not to take them. That is all I want from politics and that is all I strive to get out of it.

A lot has happened in the last few months, but what stands paramount is that Nigeria is still one, and there is still hope. That is something we all should be proud of. I have been involved in every kind of politics, including opposition politics and politics of the party in power, but the one I find most interesting, is the peoples politics. That is what President Jonathan displayed at the end of his tenure. The people come before the party. And they both come before you.

I decided to take a short vacation from politics and focus on my business. My partners have missed me. From an expanded fleet management company to www.crustandcream.com , a new four star restaurant, opened in the Victoria Island area of Lagos, in October last year. It has been a fruitful break. I was also able to catch up with my old classmates from FGC PH. We talk everyday now. Quite refreshing. I can say this short vacation is worth it. The break has done me well. I always say politics should not be an avenue to make money, but a means to make things right. Hopefully I will soon settle all my debts and slowly recover from Rivers 2015. It was not easy.

As I tie up all ends in business and gradually stroll back into the political arena, I want to urge all my friends that are in the political circle not to take politics as a profession but to try and ensure that a sustainable and legitimate source of livelihood is always in place. People politics is a sacrifice, so to survive in it, always have a legit way to fund yourself. That way you can speak from the heart. I know I do. I will never leave politics.

I must say that I am yet to see a reason to pat President Buhari on the back, but I also haven’t seen a reason to crucify him either. For a government to move ahead, criticism can be effective but distractions can be destructive. That is something our politicians should learn. Buhari is now Mr President and to the best of my knowledge, no one is challenging that; so all energy should be mustered to help him succeed. Critics should proffer solutions and keep him on his toes, but always try to be constructive. One advice I have for the President is, forget the Baba Go slow title. It's not how you start that matters, it's how you finish. Go and ask your predecessor.

On issues affecting my state, Rivers State, I still boldly stand to say the April elections were the worst in our history; but by our constitution, Gov Nyesom Wike was sworn in thanks to INEC, he is therefore the Governor and has a constitutional duty to govern the state, till further notice. He needs the support and prayers of all to achieve that. I refused to approach the tribunal for many reasons, some which I made public, but one major reason was the fact that men of God I respect, told me not to. And when I prayed about it, my mind was at peace. It still is.

The independence and maturity of the governorship tribunal, is quite impressive and encouraging but I did not approach them; my party did after trying to suspend me for advising them against it. Surprisingly they did not contest the senatorial elections, nor the house of reps nor any of the house of assembly elections; just mine. Even when I said No. I hear they lost. Maybe someone sponsored them.

So even if rumours cooked up by mischief makers, state that my case was recently struck out, the majority that follow and understand my activities know that I have no business with the Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal. It was not my case. Truth be told, the annulment of the elections in Rivers State, would not surprise me; but what will be the outcome of a re-election? My stand is with the people of Rivers State. I have a feeling I know what they want. We'll see.

For my friends on the social media. It has been discovered that someone has opened a facebook account with my name and is attempting to defraud people. My Facebook accounts are active and easy to identify. I have only three personal accounts, and have not opened another. I understand this is a current trend for fraudsters; opening Facebook accounts with names and pictures of public figures, with the intention to dupe people. Please be vigilant and disregard personal messages asking you to pay monies into strange accounts.

As always you can reach me on Twitter via the handle@tonyeprincewill or on bb via my pin 52D93602. My phone number has not changed. I am not the kind of politician you see once in four years. So feel free to get in touch.