Frontline Rivers politician, Prince Tonye Princewill, has dismissed insinuations that his philanthropic activities have a political undertone. He cleared the air last night while speaking on a Silverbird TV network programme entitled Man, Mentor, Maverick.

Aired from 9pm Nigerian time, the documentary monitored in Lagos by News Express told the story of the life and activities of Prince Tonye, showcasing his massive philanthropic activities, the latest of which involved providing relief materials for flood victims in Rivers State.

“It is not for political reasons,” said the Kalabari prince while dismissing claims by critics that his generosity is meant to soften the ground for his eventual entry into the River State gubernatorial race in the run-up to the next political dispensation. “I like to help the poor,” he added.

Princewill, who clocked 44 on January 4, was the gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress in 2007 in Rivers State. Presently of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, his Princewill Political Associates (PPA) is making waves across the state, leading some to conclude that he may be eyeing the Government House once more.

•Photo: Prince Tonye Princewill.