A prominent politician in Rivers state, Prince Tonye Princewill has constituted a 12-member Think-Tank on his ambition of contesting the 2015 governorship election in the state.
According to a statement from his personal assistant on media and publicity, Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu, the committee will consult and research on the viability of his candidacy for the 2015 governorship election. The committee is made up of Elders, women, technocrats, individuals representing professionals, youths, and other stakeholders.
The statement said that the governorship hopeful informed members of the committee of his bleief in that fact that the largest employer of labour should be small and medium scale enterprises and not government.
“I also believe transport and housing, just like education and health, should make up the four key pillars on which social service must stand. But the priority of any government here in Rivers state has to be – job creation.”
He said that he and his team had been doing a lot more listening and a lot less talking as he focus on 2015 governorship ambition. “I have been listening to average Nigerians, especially the youth. I have found out firsthand what they are asking for and hearing that their wants and needs are not only similar, but achievable. “We hear the absence of employment, the need for empowerment, the absence of capital to set up small businesses and their wish, just to be taken more seriously. We have talked to the women who work hard every day to put food on the table, yet struggle to find a voice in this male dominated political space; and only wish to be given a chance to make a life for themselves and their families.
“I have spent time with widows, orphans and the disabled, who find themselves in this position through no fault of their own, but are still hopeful of a society that sees them too.
“In my conversations over the years, I know that all you want is for your leaders to listen. My team and I can hear you. During this quiet period I have had the opportunity to think long and hard about what it means to be Governor in Rivers state and about what it will take, not only to get there but to make a difference to those who need it most. I strongly believe that politics is too important to be left to politicians and that if our success is truly measured by our collective efforts, then we must start once again to look out for one another.
“Today’s politics seems to have taken us away from these core values. I’d like to see them brought back.
Politics today is riddled with too many jokers who claim they want to lead. It’s time to get serious. That is why I want you to be the first to know that after extensive consultation, I have commissioned a group of 12 wise men and women to explore the viability of my candidacy of running for Governor of Rivers state. Over the next few weeks, we will travel the length and breadth of the land and creeks to seek your views and opinions on what role a gubernatorial campaign MIGHT play in moving Rivers state forward. At the conclusion of this exercise, I will return to share my intentions with you. Politics in Nigeria is the surest route to change. Given my background, I never thought I would be doing this. But caring enough about the welfare of your people can put you in this place. Once again I thank you for your time, your commitment and your prayers.”
