NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT (NDM) HAS MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE– PRINCE TONYE PRINCEWILL
The multifaceted problems confronting Nigeria indeed Nigerians currently will soon be a thing of the past if the recent steps taken by NDM are anything to go by. Prince Tonye Princewill a member of the Steering Committee of the National Democratic Movement and the Rivers State AC Leader stated this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja after their recent marathon meeting which ended in Abuja. According to him NDM has not only decided what political platform to adopt but the guiding principles it will need to apply to stand out not only from PDP but from all other parties in recent times including AC. For one, NDM has decided to ensure that the rule of law and internal democratic ideas guides all its operations in determining the fate and the type of Leaders to govern the country come 2011.
The Rivers state leader gave kudos to the former Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Alh. Atiku Abubakar and the former Sokoto state Governor Alh Bafaruwa the current Leader of DPP for coming up with the idea of the National Democratic Initiative (NDI) by tracing how it expanded to become the National Democratic Movement when Nigerians from other sections of the country joined in. With the eventual resolve of the Mega Summit Movement led by Chief Olu Falae, the acceptance by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to bring his weight behind it and the entry of the Edo state heavyweight Chief Tom Ikimi fresh from his recent hat trick of victories over Anenih's PDP it is clear that the beginnings of a new opposition has arisen.
Prince Tonye Princewill who revealed that many progressive elements inside the PDP as presently constituted tired of the mess and embarrassment the party has constituted itself are already on their way, as will many other new politicians if and only if they can see that what is on offer is not business as usual. As it may not be wise forming a new political party, the Movement may take over AC with the expectation that the AC Leadership will be restructured in such a way to accommodate and provide a level playing ground for other members from participating political parties as well as new entrants into politics. The Prince refusing to be drawn on the detail before he briefs his people is to assemble various stakeholders over the course of the next fortnight and in advance of the next steering committee meeting scheduled to hold in Abuja.
To us in Rivers State the new Movement has already reached an advanced level with the formation of the Forum of Organized Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP) that comprises about 46 political parties under the leadership of Prince Tonye Princewill. The Leader has set in motion all the necessary parameters for the unification of the opposition. People should not mistake his love for Amaechi as a love for the PDP and shouldn't mistake his love for his state as something he will negotiate. In 2011 we will see the end of carry go politics and the beginning of people's votes representing change. Those who want to be Senators, House of Reps members, Assembly members, Commissioners and Councilors will have the opportunity to realize their dreams yet still keep their conscience. His strategy will be made quite clear. Votes will count - no going to tribunals the Leader concluded as he pleaded that though he has a lot to say on the plans and evolution of the NDM to salvage the country but he has a flight to catch as he does not want to earn the wrath of his wife whose birthday is by the weekend,
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze
Publicity Secretary, Rivers State AC