Labour Party candidate at the last governorship elections in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on their assumption of office.

Princewill particularly thanked the president for his acclaimed inspirational speech and encouraged him to stick to every word, especially the ones that appeared in the sentence. “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”

He also thanked President Buhari for prioritising security, the Niger Delta, power and unemployment, thereby encouraging him to always refer to the speech as a reminder of Nigerians high expectation of his administration.

“Our democracy was subjected to a severe test and it is clear to the whole world that our nation in general passed it. Except for a few unique examples, today was a democracy day worth celebrating, not just nationwide, but across the world,” he said.

Princewill also described the former President Goodluck Jonathan as a sincere gentleman, who, according to him, has played an enormous role in the successful transition.

Princewill also wished Wike well while, however, admitting that he was dissatisfied with the governorship election that produced him.

He stressed that he cannot act against the constitution as Rivers people, according to him, have been stagnated by petty party politics.

“We need to put this aside and make haste to bring succour to Rivers people. Now the unfortunate days are behind us, I implore you to show Rivers people you have what it takes to make them smile. Provide leadership for all. They are waiting. I am waiting because I know if Rivers people smile, so will I. Likewise if they cry, I will too. You have to do the needful. Time is not your friend,” he said.

Politics, Princewill said, is about service, while service is about duty to the people.

“We all have a role to play at God’s appointed time. Like I always say a better future for Nigeria and Rivers State guides all my decisions, and for this I will do everything within my power to help move the country and the state forward; even if it means setting aside personal gains or ambitions.

“My prayer is that all of you, who have been given the oath of office today, work with sincere, bold and well-meaning Nigerians to be the best that we can be. We have no state or country other than this. Let us begin to harness its potential. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is here. That for me is already an opportunity,” he said.

•Photo shows Princewill