X-raying The Motives Of Overnight
Artiste-Politicians
by Theophilus Ilevbare
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 (reals names, Anthony
Olarenwaju) has quickly joined the burgeoning list
of Nigerian artistes vying for elective positions in
next year's general election.
Even if the joke sounds too expensive and only
himself believes it, popular stand-up comedian,
Julius Agwu, thinks 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 will throw their
hat in the ring.
Before now, some entertainers have already delved
into the murky waters of Nigeria's 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. Should 9ice fulfill 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 after
Governor Willie Obiano came into office. Udokwu
seem 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,
Rochas Okorocha, 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, a new body that oversees the Nigerian
Toursim industry. Several Nollywood actresses like
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, former President of
the United States, as examples of actors who
ventured into politics. 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 in a bid to arrest their nose-
diving careers, a last ditch attempt to bounce back
to relevance. 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 the streets,
this new crop of entertainers seldom compose
music with such lyrical content or act movies that
speaks 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 changed 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 of scandals ranging from relationship to
behavioural? 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 over their competence.
Without necessarily venturing into politics, they
can make more impact and inspire change from
within the entertainment industry they already find
themselves, with the their music, like late 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 fantasy,
after all. They should not attempt to exaggerate
their fame.
The present crop of politicians have failed us but
entertainers, without a clear ideology of what
political leadership entails, moving in droves in
their direction 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 a 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 ticket. Can they survive the intrigues and
stormy internal politics of power and raw cash?
Will these political parties shove aside loyal party
members and chieftains for ebbing celebrities? Are
they seemingly hoping to be game changers by
'settlement' with political appointments?
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.

Soul searching article.
Mods, please do the needful.

Nice piece!
@ Zikdik. Please permit me to do a little bit of editing.

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, Rochas Okorocha, 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, former President 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 sell-able 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.

Until you see ONE of them that presents themselves to fight truly for the masses, do not regard them as anything build shameless gold digging wannabes.

Nothing wrong with turning politician from acting but our lot have no publicised visionary manifesto just their registration card, their face and maybe financial backing.

What Nigerians want now is credible authentic visionaries with strength of character to go the extra mile not another lot of mediocres who may have realised the brevity of their ‘celebrity status’ and now want to constitute another leeching force on our psyche.

Listen to them, eat their money, be entertained by them but don’t take them seriously. After all they are actors and actresses: they act and make believe.
Nigeriamail2

E be like say them want to act another movie again o *in tuface voice*