Prince Tonye Princewill was once the Rivers State gubernatorial candidate of Action Congress and Labour Party but resigned from active party politics in order to focus on other interests. Last week, he was appointed Chairman, Board of Trustees for University of Port Harcourt alumni, and at the fringes of his inauguration, he spoke on national issues.
What is your assessment of President Tinubu’s administration?
My opinion doesn’t matter. When I was a lot younger, I used to think it was important to be heard. Now that I’m wiser, I’ve slowly come to realise it’s more important just to observe.
There’s a reason we’ve got two eyes and two ears, but just a single mouth. What I will say is that hard decisions have been made that are bound to result in difficult times, so Nigerians will have to decide if the pains were worth it. But the truth is, that decision is not for another two years, so there is no need to fuss just yet. Both sides still have time.
Those who know my history know that both President Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar taught me the basics in politics and both handed me over to former Governor Chibuike Amaechi. They also taught me the basics of governance. I was a very keen student and understudied both at every opportunity. All I will say is don’t underestimate them. I wish they were on the same team. What Atiku did at the national level to enshrine governance and what Tinubu did at the state level is worthy of careful study.
Two years in, I would advise against scoring Mr. President just yet. His key reforms were and still are very painful, but they were also necessary. Before the next election, we will see if they have worked. A game is not won or lost at half time. Where the President might have a problem is that he knows Nigerians too well. They are docile, mouthy and full of hot air. They love life too much. So he knows they can win Gold at the Olympics if complaining were a sport. I hope he doesn’t underestimate them. It takes just 20% of the people to do 80% of the work. I know my mentors listen.
You were at various times close to Tinubu, Atiku and Amaechi. Today, both Atiku and Amaechi have teamed up in ADC, against Tinubu. Where does this leave you?
They taught me well. I’m my own man just like they are their own men. All politics is local. I am where I chose to be. I did not vote for either of them in 2023, and if in 2027, neither of them is able to motivate me and my team with ideas, we will not vote for either of them again. You see, Nigeria’s problem is not what we think it is. Everyone looks primarily at who is the President, but I see things differently. That’s only a fraction of it. Currently neither APC, PDP nor even ADC seem to get it. The way they are going, it will be business as usual. If it is business as usual, that benefits the APC. I will be here until I’m motivated to do otherwise. That’s Newton’s first law of motion. I will remain where I am unless acted upon by a force to do otherwise. That’s why I resigned from active party politics. I’m tired of doing the same thing and expecting different results because someone versed in analog politics says so. My inertia can only be moved by conviction.
There are those who are of the opinion that the ADC would only give Tinubu a good fight if Atiku voluntarily drops his presidential ambition and allows the party to take the slot to the south. What is your take on this?
For ADC to make the impact they are hoping for, they would need to do a whole lot better than what I’ve seen so far, even with Atiku. I expect that they know that. It is two years in and the President is probably at his most vulnerable, yet if you ask the average voter, they aren’t certain the coalition has what it takes to make Nigeria greater. They know what they are against, but what are they for? It is early days, so let us watch and see if things evolve. For now I see too many gaps. They will need to add to their numbers.
As for dropping his presidential ambition, I feel sorry for Atiku and for Tinubu, my two fathers in politics. People want to replace them, but don’t know how. Why would Atiku drop years of political capital and stand in the background when he fancies his chances to win a ticket and run? Give him a good reason or beat him in a primary. It’s democracy; it’s supposed to be difficult. This is not the time for microwave politics. When it was Obasanjo, we wanted him out; when it was Jonathan, we wanted him out; when it was Buhari, we wanted him out; now it’s Tinubu, we want him out too. In all of this recurring illness, nobody still sees that the problem isn’t who the president is.
You have stayed away from active politics for quite some time now, focusing instead on business development and film making. Ahead of the 2027 general election, will you be aligning with any of the groups?
I’ve always maintained that politics is too important to be left to politicians, and I still stand by it. But for now I have the American Hospital Dubai, my new movie “77” and my new role as the BOT Chairman of the University of Port Harcourt alumni to focus on. Not to mention my business interests. So my hands are full. But both my state, regional and national friends in politics are watching what is going on with keen interest. When we see the beginnings of seriousness, we will rise up. I listened to a man on Arise TV the other day, and for the first time, I heard the embers of a difference. But alas the old adage my father taught me still rings true: “Don’t believe in your breakfast until you have eaten it.”
Some people, including Governor Fubara, say the emergency rule in Rivers was necessary and it actually saved the day. What is your take on this?
They are right. Where we were heading would have rocked the very roots and foundations of this country. One or two things could have been done differently, but that’s with the benefit of hindsight. Was it legal, constitutional or even sound strategy? That can be argued by those who have the two mouths I talked about earlier. I’m not blessed with that privilege. I think it was a tactical move done out of necessity. But I don’t have all the facts that those who took the decision had. National security is not Monday night football analysis.
What do you make of the recent peace process between FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara?
I’m happy there is relative peace. It’s what I prayed for. I’ve not given any detailed interview on Rivers politics for a while, because I wanted to be free of the drama, but last month I spoke on it during a radio programme and said what I told the Governor the first chance I got. It was during the build-up to the King’s funeral. I said, “Do not let anybody come in between you and Wike.” During the live radio programme I said it again. We need peace. The state needs peace and there is no reason for father and son not to make peace. Sim should go and reach out to Wike and Wike should accept him like the Governor that he is. I didn’t vote for Sim, but he’s there courtesy of other people’s sweat. It’s worth acknowledging it.
Away from politics, you have been involved in movie production and recently, one of your movies premiered at the international level. Would you want to share the experience?
Yes, ten years after we made “76” – the movie based around the real-life events of the coup of the same year that led to the assassination of Gen. Murtala Muhammed – we have made “77”. This time we weaved it around the real-life events of the FESTAC 77 event hosted in Nigeria. It was meant to be held in 1976, but was delayed because of the coup. We wanted it to get international attention just like its prequel, and what better stage to do that on than the Cannes Film Festival in France, the number one showcase for the global film industry. The DG, Nigerian Film Corporation wanted to put Nigeria’s best foot forward, and we were very happy to give him “77” to do just that.
I want to give credit to the Minister of Culture and Tourism who attended the Festival and added her colour to the event with her team. Afrexim Bank was also a very instrumental asset to the core success of the occasion. It was a filmmaker’s dream, and when we talk about the government acting as an enabler or facilitator, this is what we mean. I pray that this will continue. Now we have secured key partners who will help us take “77” to greater heights, and hopefully later this year we will bring “77” to screens around the world; Venice, Toronto, Berlin, London, Atlanta, Houston, LA, Abuja, Lagos and of course Port Harcourt. There is money in entertainment, if you appreciate that firewood comes before heat.
(Culled from Daily Sun Newspaper)