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Business magnate and political strategist, Prince Tonye Princewill, has cautioned that Africa's advancement will continue to lag unless politics is redefined as a platform for service instead of a contest for power.
Princewill made this statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday while presiding over the opening session of the inaugural international conference on “Advancing Politics and Governance for Sustainable Development,” organized by the Centre for Politics at the University of Port Harcourt.
The event, themed “Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa,” brought together participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
According to Princewill, “When politics is merely a competition for power rather than a platform for service, progress stalls. When governance becomes transactional instead of transformational, development becomes an illusion. However, when politics is driven by vision and measurable impact, and when governance is anchored in transparency, inclusion, and accountability, nations thrive.”
Additionally, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, lamented the declining voter turnout observed in African elections, even as the costs of political mobilization continue to rise.
“You see clear evidence of this in the persistent drop in voter turnout across successive elections, despite the increasing expenses associated with political mobilization,” Otti stated, urging African leaders to restore public trust in governance through accountability and citizen engagement.
In his welcoming remarks, the Director of the Centre for Politics, Professor Fidelis Allen, emphasized that Africa's future hinges on how effectively it manages its economic resources. He stressed that political will and inclusive governance are essential for the continent's sustainable development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of the conference?
The main theme of the conference is “Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa.”
Who organized the conference?
The conference was organized by the Centre for Politics at the University of Port Harcourt.
What did Prince Tonye Princewill emphasize about governance?
Princewill emphasized that when governance is guided by vision and verifiable impact, and rooted in transparency, inclusion, and accountability, nations can thrive.
