Should we be worried that Nigerian entertainers are switching their focus to the political affairs of the country?
The sudden rush to declare political ambitions by stars in the Music & Movie Industry is prompting many to question the presence of a hidden agenda.
Some critics have and still continue to castigate the intentions of these celebs, claiming it’s solely for affluence, but this didn’t stop the number from increasing.
Earlier in September, we gathered a number of these individuals who released their campaign photos and officially declared their intentions.
It’s barely two months; yet, there are even more aspirants.
We learnt Desmond Elliot, Muma Gee, Kenneth Okonkwo, Tony Tetuila, DayoAdeneye and Jim Iyke have also joined the race.
To see other Nollywood aspirants, visit our previous story.
Desmond Elliot:
Desmond Elliot is a graduate of Economics from Lagos State University and a veteran actor in Nollywood, having starred in more than 200 movies; his acting skills are of high value.
But, when it comes to handling political affairs; his pedigree is yet to be tested.
Desmond Elliot started out by strongly campaigning for Jimi Agbaje to be the next governor of Lagos State.
It recently became public he is also contesting for a seat in the House of Reps, under Surulere constituency, in Lagos.
“Well, I want a better and more comfortable LAGOS. I’m willing to exchange my ‘in-action’ and ‘silence’ to speak up for a leader who will give me the Lagos of my DREAMS. I have established that making Jimi KolawoleAgbaje governor, is one of my priorities and I’m off to work on that. Join the MOVEMENT!!Its JAYKAY 2015 The hope has begun.”
Kenneth Okonkwo:
Popular Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo has also joined the race for power; he intends to represent the people of Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly under the platform of the ruling party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
We gathered that the actor had been keen on political affairs and was further motivated by his colleagues who took first steps.
He recently spoke to Encomium Magazine saying: “Having consulted extensively my people from the ward to the local government level, because I am a grassroots man and having secured their approval to launch my campaign, I started thinking of the best channel to tell the world”
“I also have the love of a lot of prominent members of my party because of my modest achievements in Nollywood and some live television appearances where we discuss national issues,” he added.
Gift Iyumame Eke aka Muma Gee:
This one came as a surprise to us. Muma Gee is not consistent with her acting and music career; we wonder how she plans to handle the hurdle of representing the people of Rivers state.
That said, she released her campaign poster and will be running for Federal House of Representative in Abua/Odua and Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State under PDP party.
Tony Tetuila:
Remember “My car” (you don bash my car) crooner, Tony Tetuila? He wants to assist the Kwara State government.
Come 2015, Tony Tetuila will run for Kwara State House of Assembly, Irepodun Local Government.
Tetuila has also dyed his hair back to its natural colour after it became apparent that his trademark platinum blonde look would not win the hearts of the electorate.
Dayo Adeneye:
The list continues; renowned entertainment entrepreneur Otunba Adedayo Olumide Adeneye also know as D-ONE, last week, made it public that he will be running for Ogun state House of Assembly, Odogbolu Constituency of Ogun state, South West Nigeria. He is running Under APC.
Jim Iyke:
Actor and business man, Jim Iyke, will be vying for a post through newly registered Young Democratic Party.
He was recently appointed the party’s Director General in the Diaspora.
Read his words below:
“We just want to say enough is enough. It is time power and our policies shift hands to fresher minds, to stronger fortes, to people that are ready to move with the momentum of time, tide and changes.
“But it cannot be conceivable if you are saddled in that position for over two decades? How can you grow? How can you go with the tide of time? Biologically too, time will catch up with you because you are growing old in that position.
“Look at advanced countries of the world, and take a close look at people that have moved forward, these are people who have put things in place so that changes will be constant. Refreshment of minds, ideas, psychology, idiosyncrasies will be constant except for Nigeria.
“The same circle of people that governed us 20 years ago are the same people who are still ruling us, what are they still doing there? So many of them are in their 80s, grandfathers by all rights! Are they not tired? Suffering and smiling has become our motto, our slogan.
“There are black men of strong background and strong voice abroad. We have them everywhere. There is a rippling effect, that whatsoever resonates here touches the whole world. This is the strongest economy, the most populous black nation in the world. You cannot say that what we are doing concerns Nigerians alone. It concerns Africa, in the weight of what we are doing, we are carrying everybody along.
“We are not saying that this is a revolution or we are here to manipulate anybody, no. It is an open and closed book. This change may not happen in this era but it is a right step in the right direction at least there is a voice which hitherto was none existent. There is a platform where you can air your grievances. It is a truthful and open platform.”
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