1976: 40 years after, the movie surfaces‎

The streets of Nollywood were lit up last night with the movers and shakers of the industry attending the first private screening of Prince Tonye Princewill’s latest movie production, 76′. The Private screening was the first time the cast and crew alongside leaders of the business community; saw the finished product of six years of intense work. Linus Idausa, Uti Nwachukwu‎, Omoye Ozamere and many other celebrities joined the cast and crew for this event.

Tonye Princewill

The satisfaction of the viewers was glaring as the movie brought tears to everyone in the hall including one of the star acts, Rita Dominic. Set six years after the Nigerian civil war, ’76’ tells the story of a young military officer from Nigeria’s Middle Belt region who gets entangled in a romantic relationship and eventually marries a beautiful student from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. Their budding romance is threatened by endless military postings, and they face the ultimate test when news of the soldier’s involvement in a botched coup attempt hits the headlines.‎

Directed by award winning director, Izu Ojukwu, 76 is inspired by events which led up to and followed the botched 1976 coup d’etat, and features real life, archived, actual footage that contributes to the movie’s overall authenticity. The execution of the movie was also done with the explicit approval and support from the Nigerian Army.

The director of the movie, Izu Ojukwu, described it as a tale of love in a time post war. “The movie deals with a range of issues including the plight of the African woman, and the usually invisible pain of a soldier’s wife,” he said. “76 highlights the enduring Nigerian cultural values of courage, resilience, patience, loyalty, faith and family and the nation’s ability to surmount all challenges.”

The release of 76 comes four decades to the date after the actual events, and follows several years of work by the director and the production duo of Adonis Productions and Princewill’s Trust. 76, stars renowned Nollywood names including Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesinma, Memry Savanhu, Ada Ofoegbu, Daniel K. Daniel and a host of others.

On his part, the Executive Producer and a patron of the Nigerian Association of Movie Producers, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, said: “76 is a deeply emotional movie, and it resonated deeply with me as I am sure it will do for viewers not just in Nigeria, but around the world.

“The movie’s message presents a number of questions including how we got here, amongst many other issues. 76 is the first movie to be shot on film and was thus a very expensive project. We are however very satisfied with the finished work and we know viewers will thoroughly enjoy the experience.”

Thanking the Nigerian Army, M-Net and other sponsors for their support, Princewill added: “None of this would be possible without the support we have received and continue to receive. The cast and crew have been phenomenal, and they gave their all to make this movie the success that it is. I’d also like to thank my partners Adonis Production led by Adonijah for showing me one of the most powerful ways to touch lives – by making movies.”

76 premieres in 2016 in cinemas across the world starting in Nigeria, thereafter it will hopefully come to TV screens across the continent courtesy of DSTv Box office, Netflix & MNET/Africa Magic.

Speaking on the Nigerian Army’s involvement in the movie, the Head Civil-Military Affairs Army Head Quarters, Major General Nicholas Rogers, representing the Chief of Army staff said “inevitably a lot has changed since 1976. As the world has evolved, so have we,”

“The relationship between the army and the people is now even more critical. Our true strength comes from collaboration, and nowhere is it better illustrated than in partnerships such as these.” He also reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army Leadership to anything positive that tells their true story.‎

1976: 40 years after, the movie surfaces‎

I Believe Wike and Amaechi Are Working Together - Princewill

By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

Prince Tonye Princewill has revealed that the governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and his known sworn enemy, the supervising minister of Education, Nyesom Wike may be working together.

Prince Tonye Princewill

Wike and Amaechi have been fighting for months. Amaechi called Wike ingrate while Wike also think Amaechi is power drunk.

Princewill revelation shows that Amaechi may be indirectly funding Wike since the former Supervising Minister of Education cannot spend his meager salary the way he actually spends money.

Princewill said “I have always been suspicious of Wike and Amaechi, they always represented the old guard. The analog politicians. Bullys who know no other way. Men who by their DNA believe in their way or the highway, that women should be seen not heard and Ijaw expression must be contained. That is why ever since the fight between them started, I have neither been comfortable or matter of fact about it. If any of you think that their fight it is too elaborate to be staged, think again. I know it isn’t. Amaechi is not a fool, neither is Wike. They have learnt from their masters and understand more than most the benefit of foresight. I can go into some of the schemes they have plot before now or similar examples of politricks, but we don’t have the time. Take it from me, village sense is still sense.

Take a closer look at how we got here. In 2007, Amaechi entered 5 months after every other Governor but in 2011 he stood for primaries at the same time as every other Governor. Why? A judgement was given in an Abuja court that made this possible. Was it coincidence? No. Amaechi knows his way around the courts and with the money at their disposal, both Wike and him are not the kind you take unawares. If Amaechi had contested his election 5 months after the other PDP Governors, he would have lost the primaries. If you don’t believe me, ask Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa. So how come the judgement that brought in the Obuah led PDP exco came to him as a surprise? You honestly believe Amaechi did not see it coming? How come reasonable attempts at making peace were met with unreasonable responses? How has Wike been financing himself and the party on his Minister’s salary or his Ministry’s budget? Think about it. Nigerians are smart people. Politicians are not fools. Even when they are, they can hire smart people. Something does not add up.

Moving on. Have you not noticed that the blows they are throwing at each other are simply not commensurate with the perceived hate? It is more like two boxers sparring in preparation for another fight than two men truly fighting each other with the intent to bring the other man down. They have enough information on each other to bury each other’s political careers, yet they haven’t done it. Why? I can go on and on as to why I believe we are all characters in a play that has been scripted to make us look like fools. Hard evidence can be found if people bother to look well. The problem is nobody is looking. I expect that, this will soon change. Let those who tell you that Wike is the best person to fight Amaechi, look well. Are you sure? 2015 is a battle of ideas. Analog vs Digital. Not carry go. Unlike some conspiracy theorists, I do not believe it is an Ikwerre agenda, because many Ikwerres are not subscribers to it. It is an anti-Jonathan, anti PDP, anti-Rivers agenda and we are all meant to be the fools. I for one refuse to be one.

I know I am not alone in this. Others may be thinking it too. The difference is I know the players, their capacity for scheming and I am several steps ahead of them too. I speak now because the capacity of our people to be fooled amazes me. Gossip and side talks have taken over sound reasoning and better judgement. I will personally lead the fight against this agenda to ensure it does not succeed. If you cannot see what the intention is for 2015 and the Rivers state election, I will give you a hint. Wike is not designed to win. They know that carry go will not work. For an Amaechi/APC agenda to fly, a strong anti-PDP sentiment is required. Enter Wike. That is where we are already. In my last statement, I said the grass would reject both Wike and Amaechi. Now you know why I said that.”

Princewill warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that producing Wike as goernorship candidate will backfire, adding that PDP will lose both supporters and the other 16 aspirants.

He said “I also said PDP needs to open their eyes. To the leadership I say; Let this not happen under your watch. If you do not know, the emergence of Wike will produce a backlash that will alienate at least 16 aspirants if not more. The party will lose not only them; they will also lose their supporters, not only because of the product of Wike, but the process of his emergence. You have less than a week to act. After then, it will be too late. I think this would be a good opportunity to make it absolutely clear that I will never be contemplating joining the APC. Suggestions as to me defecting there are not only frivolous and ridiculous, they are ludicrous. Anti Wike is not pro APC. Quote me. For the records my PDP Nomination/Intent forms have been filled and submitted at the PDP national headquarters in Abuja, once again, without fanfare.

The governorship aspirant congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan declaration, describing it as the best declaration ever seen in Nigeria.

Princewill revealed that he rated Jonathan 8/10, a mark he said he has never given to anyone, including Amaechi who he said scored 6/10 when they were closed friends.

He said “Before I go into the reasons why, let me start by congratulating the President for the best declaration I have ever seen in Nigeria. The organisation could have done with some improvements but the delivery and the content were amazing. For those who know me, they know I am usually very conservative in my marking. Even when my “friend from before” Amaechi was still close to me, the best score he got was a 6/10. On Tuesday the President got an 8. Nobody has ever extracted an 8 from me, even for a singular event. The President did that. In spite of the cowardly actions of the Boko Harm the day before, he didn’t loose focus. He kept his eyes on the ball. A feat both them and the APC did not expect. Since the conclusion of that momentous event, many others have been singing his praises. So I will not attempt to occupy that space today, I will rather focus on my state.”

Tonye thanked Nigerians who contributed to his campaign through his website, revealing that the campaign received 2.9 million within 24 hours.

“Let me end this statement on a positive note. Not up to a week ago, we launched an online appeal for contributions from ordinary citizens. I highlighted that the more the politicians fund themselves, the more they steal and the more they are compromised. I asked them to donate a minimum of N1000.00 to my campaign, either via my website www.tonyeprincewill.com or direct into my campaign account Zenith – 1004681237. I asked them to take a stake in what we represent. Donations are still coming in from youth corpers, market women, APC members, APGA members, university lecturers and even those who don’t like politics. We raised 2.9 million in the first 24 hours and at this rate, we are expected to break previous records for crowd funding by any state politician who is not occupying office. I want to thank all of you who have sacrificed your comfort for me and I assure you that your money will not only not go to waste, it will produce results. My faith is in God. My constituency is you”, he said.

I Believe Wike and Amaechi Are Working Together - Princewill

Tonye Princewill declares intention to run for governorship in Rivers State; Read full text

Tonye Princewill declared his intention, yesterday, Wednesday to contest for the 2015 governorship election in Rivers State.

Below is the full text of his speech.

TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN? THAT IS THE QUESTION.

Virtually every single day people ask me if I am running, when will I declare, do I stand a chance and if I am really serious? My answer each and every time has been something to the effect of, “Watch this space. Time will tell.” Today is that time.

Princewill talks about Amaechi Defection

I have always felt that unlike in 2007, the decision to run has to be borne out of a collective will to run, not an individual ambition borne out of a single, self absorbing or self-centred agenda. If I was to ask the question, I would have phrased it differently. My version would have been – “Will we run, do we declare, do we stand a chance and are we serious?” This can not be about just me.

Rivers state has always struck me as a state of huge potential, blessed with all kinds of resources most of which lay above the ground, not under it. I look at it, not with the eyes of what it is, but what it can be and consequently my mind has been focused on what it will take to get it there. Nobody rises to low expectations, not even a state so it is with these goals in mind, my team set out to chart a path to our collective prosperity. We all know where this state has come from. In 2007, we had a state that only a few of us were proud of. Almost eight years later, we run the risk of returning to that state. Violence, kidnappings, politics of bitterness and ethnic divisions have re-emerged and the peace we all enjoyed is flickering like a candle in the wind. What went wrong? We have to save this state.

People who aspire for office are sometimes bothered enough to go out of their way to tell the people what they will do for them courtesy of a manifesto. For that, we the people are grateful. But my team have always insisted that instead of starting with telling them what you will do for them, why not ask them what they would want first? One of the habits we learnt is to seek first to understand, then to be understood. Yes, Steven Covey taught quite a few of us. That is why in 2012, we carried out a baseline survey of the wants and needs of Rivers people across almost 200 communities in the 23 LGAs of Rivers state, asking people what they feel about government, the gaps they see in service delivery and what they would like done differently. The results and my team’s idea of effective solutions is the framework from which a roadmap for the renewal of Rivers state has emerged. The first of its kind by a civilian.

I have thought long and hard about politics and the possibility of running for the position of Governor in Rivers state. As it stood, here were my options.

Run for Governor under the platform of PDP,

Run for another position,

Be a by-stander in the party or

Retire completely from politics.

Let me confess very quickly that since my ambition is primarily to deliver our President, working for a party that will not promote that agenda is not really an option. Even if by some miracle of omission, APC offered me the ticket on a platter of gold, I would not take it. In addition, being an “observer” in this climate reminds me of the phrase that a spectator is either a coward or ignorant. I’d like to think that I am neither. That leaves me only two options – running for Governor or retiring from politics and facing my businesses.

I have thought long and hard over these two options. Even though I have worked for the men and women of the state and beyond in my own little way, the inability to satisfy a huge number of them, even when my own prosperity is put at risk has left me feeling that I’m best facing me and my family’s troubles, attending to my aged father, my disabled son, my beautiful wife and my other lovely children. If I don’t take care of me and mine, will anybody else bother? That is why the decision to quit politics is attractive, that is why I’m tempted to hang up my boots, leave the field of play and take a back seat to help support and usher in a new style of leadership.

But where is this new style of leadership? We have looked long and hard at the contenders for the office. Who will lay the foundations of a new Dubai in the Niger Delta, who will bring peace where there has been war and has a track record to prove it, who will create thousands and thousands of jobs, close ranks across party and community lines, build bridges across ethnic divides and give Rivers people a reason to smile again? Who will emphasise the importance of a new transport system, investment in low cost and medium cost housing, bring the much needed development to the rural areas and make time for a truly decentralised Rivers state? Who will confront corruption without fear or favour? Who has touched so many without ever holding a political office yet has built businesses from nothing. The answer in my heart and the answer in my head is Team Prince Will. That is why I have thought long and hard and I have now decided to, in spite of the challenges ahead, tell you today that I will run for the esteemed office of the Governor of Rivers state under the platform of the PDP.

In the days and the weeks ahead, I will be collecting my nomination forms, unveiling my roadmap for the renewal of Rivers state and introducing my campaign team to the world at our new state of the art offices here in PH on Aba Rd. I hope that all of you who hear this message will feel my passion and know my love for what will soon be one of the greatest states here in Nigeria. Those who know me, know that as it took me this long to emerge, there will be no turning back. Have no fear. This train has only one stop and that stop is Brick House in 2015. I have always maintained that it would be Governor or nothing. Now it is clear that nothing is not an option.

Our doors will be open to all. We need volunteers, newcomers to the political scene and seasoned politicians who believe in the people and Rivers state. If you live in PH, we can be reached via the phone (text only) on 0807 700 7007, via the web on www.tonyeprincewill.com, via bb on 79A5A1EC, via Twitter on @tonyeprincewill, via email with tonyeprincewill@gmail.com or via Facebook at Prince Tonye Princewill. This is the winning team and even if you don’t come from Rivers state or live in Rivers state, you can help us achieve what I believe will be a collective victory. Every little helps. Register online at our website and choose a category to volunteer in.

We need so much help. I have not accumulated the wealth others have, I have no state or federal appointment, been working with the people non stop even when there were no elections and I don’t have a God father other than God the father. I may be younger than most, but my team and I guarantee you that winning will send a message that good men can win too. Today it is me but thanks to my youth agenda, tomorrow it may be you or your children. Politics is too important to leave to politicians. Let’s join hands together to make this work. You know we can.

Viewed 1 times
Tonye Princewill declares intention to run for governorship in Rivers State; Read full text

Maybe We Need a Malala in Rivers State – Princewill

By Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu

“As the 2015 elections draw closer, statements, actions and decisions become more influential in moulding the future of our dear State, the incident at the Legacy House in Abuja yesterday is not just condemnable but an embarrassment to Nigeria’s democracy, the PDP and the good people of Rivers State”, Prince Tonye Princewill said in a statement today.

Princewill talks about Amaechi Defection

Prince Tonye Princewill, a PDP Chieftain on behalf of his team, said he would like to call for a full and detailed investigation into the embarrassing incident to prevent a similar occurrence from happening ever again.

He reminded all parties involved that the peace enjoyed in Rivers State was not easy to come by. “Portraying the party in a bad light will not help its growth and existence and will do those of us who wish the President well, no good whatsoever”, Princewill stated.

He stressed that no individual’s ambition was more important than the Peace and Development of our state.

“Following the perceived security challenge, and advice from some PDP national stakeholders, Prince Tonye was not present at the integration committee sitting, but had earlier submitted his memorandum. Please find a copy attached.

“We believe that the award of the Nobel peace prize to Malala Yousafzai can inspire all of us to work together for peace. Your state will surely recognize your efforts. A Rivers state in crisis is a region in crisis. And our region in crisis will not bode well for our beloved nation. To be forewarned is to be forearmed’ the statement further stated.

Prince Tonye Princewill apologized sincerely on behalf of the good people of Rivers state to the President, the PDP National Chairman, the PDP National Leadership and well-meaning Nigerians for this incident.

“Our state is in dire need of attention. You don’t have to come from Rivers state to help us” Princewill concluded.

find attached copy of Princewill’s memorandum. Click to enlarge

Viewed 1 times
Maybe We Need a Malala in Rivers State – Princewill

‘Publish Details of Defectors Working for your Governorship Ambition’ – Rivers APC Challenges Tonye Princewill

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State Chapter, has dared Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship contender, Prince Tonye Princewill, to make public the list of those who allegedly left APC to join PDP so as to work towards realising his ambition.

Princewill talks about Amaechi Defection

The party was replying to last week’s statement by the Media Assistant to Prince Tonye Princewill entitled ‘Crisis Rocks Rivers APC as Legacy Parties Pledge Loyalty to PDP/Princewill’, in which he claimed that several APC members had decamped and joined the Tonye Princewill faction in the PDP

The full text of the APC reaction read:

It has come to the attention of the All Progressives Congress [APC], Rivers State Chapter, that the spate of political jobbery sweeping Rivers State has taken a new and troubling dimension.

Last week, the media assistant to Prince Tonye Princewill of the PDP issued a press statement titled “crisis rocks rivers APC as legacy parties pledge loyalty to PDP/Princewill” in which he claimed that several APC members had decamped and joined the Tonye Princewill faction in the PDP.

On close scrutiny of the 68 names that signed a highly suspect and nebulous communiqué, none belonged to the APC, suggesting that it was a clear fabrication made by the authors for the purpose of seeking pecuniary rewards from Prince Tonye Princewill, who has severally announced his interest to run for governor of Rivers State in 2015 on the platform of the PDP.

For the avoidance of doubts, the APC, Rivers State Chapter would like to state that at no time did any member or members of the APC or of the legacy parties that metamorphosed into APC, defect to the PDP or any other political party.

We strongly urge Prince Tonye Princewill to go a step further by publishing the APC registration numbers complete with photos of those he claimed defected to his faction of the PDP to prove that they have any links with the APC.

We would like to urge the Prince to resist the attraction of involving the name of the APC in spurious schemes he chooses to put in the public domain as he might realise too late that it is always of mutual benefit to let the sleeping dog lie.

‘Publish Details of Defectors Working for your Governorship Ambition’ – Rivers APC Challenges Tonye Princewill

Crisis Rocks Rivers APC as Legacy Parties Pledge Loyalty to PDP/Princewill

 

The huge crack in the Rivers State APC, after weeks of neglect has come out in the open.

“The APC Legacy Parties, comprising the former ACN, ANPP and CPC parties in the state have not only distanced themselves from the just concluded APC congresses and newly installed executives, but have also taken a bold step to dump the APC and seek refuge in the PDP”.

In a communiqué signed and released by the leaders; the APC legacy parties have unanimously accepted to work its way into the PDP, through the guidance of Prince Tonye Princewill who has also received a copy of this communiqué.

The members while complaining of the undemocratic activities in the State APC; came up with the following resolutions:

1. Since our values and presence are not recognized in APC but tolerated, that we should locate an alternative political platform where our interest can be protected and guaranteed.

2. That we should identify with Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill as our Leader that will guide and lead us to PDP.

3. That we should support the Emergence of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for 2015 and urge him to contest the general election as to complete the good works he is currently doing in our Nation.”

“This is a welcomed development, as Prince Tonye Princewill has already begun talks with the leadership of the PDP on ways and modalities to absorb and engage the new converts. It may interest you to know that the APC legacy parties with a population of over 100,000 members, formed the now APC, but were side-lined on the entrance of the defected PDP members. This was evident during the APC congresses where members of the legacy parties were denied entrance and participation in the exercise”, Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu said.

Crisis Rocks Rivers APC as Legacy Parties Pledge Loyalty to PDP/Princewill

Jonathan, Amaechi fight could have been avoided - Tonye Princewill

PORT HARCOURT—Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill, yesterday, said that the problem between Governor Rotimi Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan was avoidable.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Princewill who said he interacted with both men at separate times over the issues, said that the problem started shortly after the last elections, adding that one of the parties did not manage the issue properly.

He said: “It was not the Governors’ Forum that brought about the problem between Amaechi and President Jonathan. It started before 2012. That problem could have been avoided. The finger of blame can be pointed at any direction.

“Amaechi was very close to Jonathan when he was Vice President. I am aware that Jonathan nominated commissioners in the cabinet in the first term of Governor Amaechi. We must understand that there is a difference between the President and the Presidency. There are things that may come out of the Presidency that may not have the hand of the President. If it was a problem between Amaechi and the President it would have been easily resolved.”

Jonathan, Amaechi fight could have been avoided - Tonye Princewill

2015: Princewill Setup 12-Man Exploratory Committee

By Ehi Ekhator

As 2015 draws closer, Prince Tonye Princewill has come out public with his future political plans. He has set up a 12 man exploratory committee, to consult and research on the viability of his candidacy for the 2015 governorship election. The committee comprises of Elder statesmen and women, technocrats and individuals who represent professionals, youths, and other stakeholders in the state.

Princewill talks about Amaechi Defection

Speaking at a gathering in Rivers State, he explained his intention to contest as the next governor of Rivers State, he highlighted what Rivers State need but emphasized on job creation.

He said: “Before I introduce what I have to say, let me start by thanking each and every one of you for taking the time to allow me share my special plans with you. As some of you may know, my name is Tonye Princewill and I come from the great state of Rivers, here in Nigeria.

“I am the son of a University Professor who went on to become a King, and I know that if given a chance, there is no limit to what Nigerians can achieve. Here’s what I believe. I believe that the largest employer of labour should be small to medium scale enterprise – 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”

“In advance of 2015, my team and I have been doing a lot more listening and a lot less talking. Listening to average Nigerians, especially the youth. Finding 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.

Princewill who said that the Rivers need leaders that listen, take them seriously and a society that sees them said: “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”

He pointed out that politics in Nigeria today is full of many jokes who pretend to lead.

He said: “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.

2015: Princewill Setup 12-Man Exploratory Committee