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 had 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 tourism 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 peak 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 chang 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.
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