2011: Prince Tonye Princewill Leaves For Europe For Further Consultation - AC
The leader of Action Congress in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill left for Europe at the weekend in a final move on consultations as to the course of his political future. Princewill who is expected to confer with family and close associates in Diaspora on the different alternatives open for him, disclosed in an interview with pressmen at the PH International airport prior to his leavin that: “It has become imperative that I meet with my wife, kids and associates in Diaspora to seek their very important counsel on the current challenges I am faced with following Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's decision to rejoin the PDP”.
He thanked the leadership of the Rivers State AC led by the State Exco, Youth, Women, Elder, stakeholders and other interest Groups who recently urged him to rejoin PDP as well as the few individuals who have asked him to remain. He also thanked the Northern Forum South-South Zone comprising of the Arewa Consultative Forum, South-South in an appeal letter to the Prince and signed by the Forum's Chairman, Alh. Musa Saidu, its Secretary, Alh. Zubairu and Chairman of the Elders Council, Mallam Ayuba Mohammad urged him to rejoin the PDP. He also appreciated the Water Front Solidarity Movement (WSM) who through its Leadership comprising Mr. G.O. Deresima (Chairman), Karibo D. F. (Secretary), Mr Benson Joseph (PRO), Prince O. Princewill (Coordinator) in a letter dated 19th April, 2010 (copy attached) expressed its solidarity to the leadership of the Prince.
On the stance of those who wanted him to stay in AC or lose their loyalty for a move, Princewill noted that: “The beauty of a democracy he stated is that not everyone can agree all the time. I am happy that some have found the house I built attractive enough for them to remain in it even if I leave. My instinct is to consult widely before taking a position. They may not have the same depth of consultations to make so it should not surprise anyone that they will arrive at a position before me. I am happy with developments so far and am happy that people who can make a difference are on the right side of right and the wrong side of wrong."
He guaranteed his teeming supporters and well wishers that whatever decision he took in the days ahead will be in the best interest of the state as he stated: “My love for my state cannot be compromised by my love for my party or myself. Everyone who knows me knows that. Political assemblies that lack ideology should give way to policies and principles on education, health, security, Niger Delta, minimum employment and the minimum wage. For once let us put the people first. How can we play this kind of politics and sleep well at night when NGOs like Save Nigeria are more effective than the opposition and the ruling party has no position on the key issues facing our country?”
It could be recalled that the Prince has in the recent past been on wide consultation on whether to leave AC and join PDP or quit politics completely.
Nwaorgu Faustinus a Socio-Political commentator writes from Igboetche, Rivers State.