Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Prince Tonye Princewill, has called for peace, reconciliation and sober reflection, saying that his should be the spirit of the New Year.

Princewill in a statement released through his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu, said that every New Year should be an opportunity for people everywhere to correct their wrongs and perfect their rights.

The Prince of the Kalabari Kingdom and a potential candidate in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Rivers State urged politicians to play safe and show love and respect to their opponents. “As we move into a highly political year where the fate and direction of this great nation will be decided, we should not only see the significance of Christmas as a yardstick to fulfilling our political desires and duties, but also take the New Year as an opportunity to start afresh in the quest to perfect our great country. A strong opposition is a reflection of a good democracy but wherever we must, we should agree to disagree agreeably,” he said.

Continuing, Princewill said: “The people expect us to lead; lead them out of poverty and into prosperity, give them opportunity to advance and lead by example. Bickering and pettiness should leave way for progressive ideas and a new vision for our country. Let that be the message of hope for 2014.”

He called on the people to continue to question their leadership and to continue to ask why because “they are accountable to us. We should never forget that.”

•Photo shows Prince Tonye Princewill.