PRINCE TONYE PRINCEWILL ENDS SEVERAL WEEKS OF SPECULATION WITH HIS FORMAL RESIGNATION FROM ACTION CONGRESS
Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill the Rivers State AC leader on Wednesday in Port Harcourt ended weeks of speculation regarding his political future with the formal resignation of his membership from the Action Congress Party. According to him this decision was a result of series of consultations with friends, family, associates and party members to determine the next step to take in the light of the current realities in the Nation's polity. It would be recalled that at the onset of the consultations, Princewill had himself said that he was exploring the options of resignation, remaining with the AC, joining another political party or quitting politics in its entirety.
He announced his decision via a letter of resignation he submitted to the AC Chairman of Ward 3, Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. David Long John. In it, the Prince stated that “after several years of membership in this great party, it is with a heavy heart that I tender my formal resignation to take place with immediate effect. My resignation entails that I am leaving behind friends, many with whom I shared sincerity of purpose. I remain grateful to the party for giving me the opportunity to serve and work for the greater good of the state and our democracy. I wish you all well in your future endeavours”
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to certain individuals for the various roles they played at different times. They included his 'uncle', mentor and leader, Chief Bola Tinubu whom he recalled supported him “when it mattered most” and gave him the strength to see it through. He also thanked Chief Tom Ikimi the South - South leader for the role he played in ensuring that the state chapter was not hijacked by disgruntled elements who meant no well. Prince Austin Eweka the South - South Vice Chairman of AC was also singled out for his political astuteness and ingenuity which ensured that the State Chapter was on track. Finally he thanked the former Vice President, the Turaki Adamawa Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the only national leader to publicly endorse the bipartisan relationship in Rivers state and whose wise counsel and fervor at the time of his decision to withdraw his case in favour of Amaechi from the tribunal. This support served to reassure him of the wisdom of the decision which although unpopular at the time has hitherto been justified with the success of the strategic partnership between the opposition and ruling party in Rivers state and has become a reference point for trail blazing governance.
Receiving the letter in Buguma on behalf of the party, the AC Chairman of Ward 3 in Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. David Long John expressed dismay at the decision taken by the Prince at a time according to him, “the people need him most”. He stated however that there would be concerted efforts to build on the legacy that Princewill was leaving behind. He also used the opportunity to wish him the best in whatever he decided to do. Princewill used the opportunity to assure all his supporters of his commitment to ensuring that any next step taken by him would be taken for the greater good.
The Prince's letter of resignation is hereby attached for necessary action.
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,
Media Consultant to
Prince Tonye Princewill