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You’re Political Vendor, PDP Tells Princewill
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has berated the former governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2015 governorship elections, Prince Tonye Princewill over his remarks against the PDP and Governor Nyesom Wike during a live phone-in radio programme on Rhythm 93.7 FM, ‘View Point’, in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
The state Chairman of the PDP, Bro. Felix Obuah, in a statement in Port Harcourt, described the remarks as vexatious, reckless and mischievous.
He added that Princewill’s lies have exposed his ranting as someone whose egocentric and unappreciative nature has blindfolded to the governor’s resounding achievements in just two years in office.
Obuah said the PDP was not surprised at Princewill’s ‘show of shame’, stressing that Rivers people have always known him to be a ‘political vendor’ and ‘professional failed governorship candidate’.
“Princewill is a businessman who trades only where the market is favourable to him. In 2007, it was Action Congress (AC); in 2011, it was PDP, and in 2015, he moved to Labour Party (LP). Wherever the pendulum of good business swings, he moves there. Rivers people will never take such a man seriously”, Obuah said.
The state PDP boss said he was also not surprised at Princewill’s vituperations against the PDP and Wike whose achievements have won local, national and international acclaim, wondering how someone who, immediately he lost the 2015 governorship elections, packed his belongings and relocated to Abuja has the capacity to evaluate the performance of Wike in Rivers State.
He said it was rather unfortunate that someone with his level of knowledge and exposure would go on air to propagate falsehood to the people, saying that Princewill goofed on many issues, including the Pleasure Park project and appointment of members of other political parties into local government caretaker committees.
“Tonye Princewill clearly showed his ignorance about the affairs of the state. He tried to ridicule the Pleasure Park by describing it as ‘Keke-Na-Pep hanging in the air’, but forgetting that billions of Naira were wasted by the APC administration to build the Pleasure Park, all to no avail”, Obuah declared.
On the appointment of members of the Labour Party into local government caretaker committees, Obuah said it was a demonstration of good governance even as it also helped in forging inter-party unity, recalling that Princewill, when he lost the governorship ticket to Omehia in 2011, entered into agreement with the PDP, leading to the appointment of his party members into Amaechi’s cabinet.
The PDP chairman observed that Princewill knew very well that he was spreading falsehood to his listeners, hence his failed attempt to answer the many questions by curious listeners and the presenter of the programme.
“It is only the truth that can stand the test of time. Falsehood, no matter how well garnished would never stand despite efforts to keep it from falling, and that was what happened during the ‘show of shame’ put up by Princewill, on Saturday.
“Princewill was only speaking from the stand-point of anger and trauma for losing the Governorship Election to Governor Wike in 2015. Princewill is a perpetual loser and has no place in the electoral process”, Obuah declared.
The Rivers PDP chairman challenged Princewill to vie for a councillorship election in his ward, adding that the party would disgrace him if he does so.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene