Yap!
This is epic!
A very interesting article
written by THEOPHILUS ILEVBARE, a public affairs commentator….where he
critically accessed the motives of our artiste and entertainers who are going
into politics….Lol! Of course, 2015 is round the corner so many entertainers are
warming up to occupy elective positions in their various states… Enjoy the
article after the cut…
Just when we were coming to terms
with the precipitous foray to the political scene of some entertainers like
Gongo Aso crooner, Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, gospel singer,
Kenny Saint Best and actor, Desmond Elliot, all of whom have in recent time
declared their political ambition and aligned themselves with political
parties, Tony Tetuila (real name, Anthony Olarenwaju) has also joined the
burgeoning list of Nigerian artistes vying for elective positions in next
year’s general election. Even though the joke sounds too expensive, popular
stand-up comedian, Julius Agwu, believes he can become the next governor of
Rivers State.
The list of intending
artiste-politicians keeps growing as the bandwagon syndrome catches up with
more of them. Before the end of the year, more artistes are likely to throw
their hat in the ring.
Before now, some entertainers
have already delved into the murky waters of Nigerian politics. Tony Muonagor
(aka Tony One Week), in 2011, rode on the back of his popularity to win a seat
at Anambra State House of Assembly, making history as the first Nigerian
entertainer to win an elective position in the country. Should 9ice fulfil his
claim, he will follow in the footsteps of Rotimi Makinde, who was elected into
the House of Representatives in 2011 to represent Ife Federal Constituency. And
like every other Nigerian politician, Makinde is interested in seeking
re-election. Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Senior Special Adviser on movies/entertainment
industry to former governor of Anambra, Peter Obi, retained the post when
Governor Willie Obiano came into office. Udokwu seems not to be content with a
political appointment, he is now gunning for the Anambra State House of
Assembly to represent Idemili North constituency. Sir Victor Uwaifo, famed
highlife musician, was Commissioner of Tourism and Culture twice in Edo State.
Imo State governor, RochasOkorocha, appointed Nkiru Sylvanus as Special
Assistant on Lagos Affairs. Kanayo O. Kanayo was recently announced as the
Chairman of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies. Several
Nollywood actresses such as Onyeka Onwenu, Hilda Dokubo; actors like Dickson
Iroegbu, Sam Dede and Richard Mofe Damijo, have all bagged various political
appointments between 2011 and now.
This latest fad among
entertainers has sharply divided Nigerians especially on social media with many
claiming they have joined politics for pecuniary reasons. These artistes have
argued that elsewhere entertainers have made a success of their political foray
citing notable instances like Arnold Schwarzenegger, two term Governor of
California and Ronald Reagan, formerPresident of the United States, as
examples. However, they failed to add that both men joined politics at the pick
of their careers in a democracy where the President of the world’s most
powerful country earns less than a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
The debate for a drastic reduction in salaries and allowances of Nigerian
politicians to serve as a disincentive to pretenders masquerading as aspiring
political leaders, has once again, gained traction.
Unlike the American actors
highlighted above, most Nigerians think these entertainers could be drifting to
politics as last ditch attempt to bounce back to relevance in the face of their
nose-diving careers. Or could it be that the wealth acquired from the
entertainment industry is less fulfilling than what political offices have to
offer? Is their ambition borne out of a genuine intention to serve the people
or an attraction to the stupendous wealth and power political office holders
wield? Unlike the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, whose songs and lifestyle resonated
with the streets, this new crop of entertainers seldom compose music with such
lyrical content or act movies that speak truth to power and trumpet the change
they seek to effect through the ballot.
How many of them have been
arrested for demanding accountability and transparency from the present
government through their roles in the entertainment industry? What gives them
the impression that they can effect change in ways ‘regular’ politicians can’t?
In what way have they given back to the society that made them stars? What
makes us think they will act differently as politicians? How have they
demonstrated that they can bring the much-needed change by redefining
leadership when a good number of them have not previously garnered or exhibited
any sterling leadership qualities at any level, not even from the entertainment
industry they’re hibernating from. These are people whose businesses and daily
lives are even managed by managers! A few could not even manage their marital
lives; they’re still single after going through divorce(s). How can the welfare
and lives of millions of Nigerians be entrusted to persons with credibility
issues?
Nigeria is in dire straits and in
need of astute, shrewd and intellectual leadership. Technocrats, not entertainers
thought of by many, as people not to be taken seriously, especially in matters
political. Moreover, what is their political ideology? Can it move the country
forward? I doubt if their ‘brand of politics’ is sellable because there are a
lot of question marks on their competency. Without necessarily venturing into
politics, they can make more impact and inspire change from within the
entertainment industry, through their music, like Fela, and right from the
movie scripts to the roles they act.
Political fans and entertainment
fans are different. Their popularity in music arena should not be
misinterpreted as acceptance by the general public. Showbiz and politics are
two worlds apart. The hope of riding on the crest of that popularity to occupy elective
political office might be a fantasy, after all. They should not attempt to
exaggerate their fame.
Politicians have failed us, but
replacing them with entertainers, who lack ideology, is the last thing we want.
Their political participation is not about themselves but about the rest of us
because it determines the welfare of many Nigerians.
At a time we’re trying to arrest
the tragedy of leadership failure and breaking the vicious circle of leadership
bankruptcy, we cannot allow the system to throw up more of such ‘leaders’ who
obviously lack clear vision of what political leadership is all about. We’ve
had enough drama in the political scene already; the least we want is for
Nollywood to add to it. The country needs true leaders who have prepared themselves
adequately to take up leadership positions.
Cynics doubt if these artistes
can clinch their party’s tickets. Can they survive the intrigues of party
politics, where power and raw cash play major roles? Will these political
parties shove aside loyal party members and chieftains for ebbing celebrities?
It is too early to say
categorically, how far they can go, as it remains to be seen if they will get
their party’s nod considering the ever-slippery and tricky game of Nigerian
politics where political juggernauts and gladiators are sometimes beaten to their
game.
You can follow the writer on
twitter, @tilevbare, for more direct engagement.
Credit: PUNCH
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