The success story of comedy in Nigeria cannot be
complete without the mention of great comedians
like Julius Agwu.The Choba-born comedian, actor
and musician has joined pantheon of intending
gubernatorial aspirants warming up to take the
reins of power from Governor Rotimi Amaechi of
Rivers State. In this chat with Potpourri, the
diminutive entertainer talks about his political
intent, his career and other things. Excerpts:

is been quite a while; what’s been happening?
I am working on a lot of projects at the moment; I
am still organising comedy shows. l am currently
working on something for my music. I have a
band called ‘Reel Laif Band’ and we are performing
at the Encomium black and white ball holding this
Sunday.
The news is going round that you are working at
becoming the governor of your state. What is your
take on this?
Yes, I am working on that project too at the
moment.
Would you call yourself a politician?
I cannot really call myself a politician, but l am
someone who prays and wish for things to get
better than it is in this country. I believe I can help
to achieve what my brother started in Rivers State.
It is a known truth that Port Harcourt was the
Garden City of this great country, but we lost that
glory because of poverty and neglect, coupled with
incessant militancy and kidnapping. Governor
Amaechi has done well for the State, but we still
need good hands after he leaves to continue the
good work.
If you are not a politician then why do you want to
be the governor of Rivers State?
Becoming the governor of Rivers State was not
something that came up overnight. It was not on
my radar back then. The people of Rivers State in
the Diaspora and those in the State have been
clamouring for me to come out as an aspirant.
They believe I have what it takes to go for it. It just
dawned on me that I indeed have what it takes. I
have given it a serious thought and have given in
to their pressure.
These people who have been bothering you,
would they sponsor your election, if yes, who are
they?
Yes, they will. But I do not want to disclose their
names for security reasons.
Will you use a political party at the end of the
day?
Yes, we shall, eventually, but I do not want to
unveil that now.
In your future party, do you think an aspirant from
your party will be going for the presidency?
Yes, when the time comes it will be revealed.
How is the comedy business these days?
Comedy business is going well. You know it’s one
of the biggest businesses in Nigeria now as it
helps to relax our tensed nerves. People who
laugh a lot tend to live longer. Comedy is so
important that even people outside the shores of
Nigeria know about it before us. Obasanjo was
someone who practiced it while he was in power.
What else do you have up your sleeve?
I have a studio and I also own a construction
company.