Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, alongside prominent entrepreneur Prince Tonye Princewill, urged Africans to prioritize the enhancement of political systems and governance across the continent.
Their remarks were delivered yesterday in Port Harcourt at the inauguration of the inaugural international conference titled “Advancing Politics and Governance for Sustainable Development,” hosted by the Centre for Politics at the University of Port Harcourt.
This event, themed “Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa,” has attracted delegates from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Represented by former Senate Minority Chief Whip Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Governor Otti emphasized that true development fundamentally involves equitable resource allocation among citizens.
He noted, “Politics centers on people, and when individuals emotionally disengage due to frustration and disillusionment, the outcome often leads to a cycle of power struggles and systemic corruption.”
Otti further highlighted the troubling trend of widespread political apathy, stating, “A significant portion of the population now chooses to withdraw from political participation rather than confront the entrenched culture of deceit within the system.”
He pointed to the persistent decline in voter turnout across multiple elections as clear evidence, despite the increasing expenses associated with political campaigns.
Chairing the conference, Prince Tonye Princewill stressed that economic growth alone is insufficient to guarantee sustainable development.
He explained, “When politics is viewed merely as a contest for authority instead of a means to serve the public, progress stalls. Similarly, governance that prioritizes transactional dealings over transformative change renders development illusory.”
Princewill added, “Conversely, when political leadership is driven by clear vision and measurable outcomes, and governance is anchored in transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability, nations thrive.”
In his opening address, Professor Fidelis Allen, director of the Centre for Politics at the University of Port Harcourt, underscored that Africa’s future hinges on how effectively it manages its economic resources.
