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For the first time in the history of Nigeria, the ruling party the People’s Democratic Party is facing a daunting task to remain in power beyond 2015 as the major opposition party, All Progressives Congress has put in a serious challenge to rule the nation.
There has been sleepless night in the ruling party because of the pound for pound campaign going on in the forth coming elections.
Just as the PDP are getting support from some entertainers in the industry, also the APC are not relenting in their efforts in seeking for their own.
Some celebrities have also come out to tell Nigerians not to cast their votes for failure while others have called them ‘hungry men.’
As election draws closer, more Nigerian entertainers are getting involved in politics.
This trend has left observers with the thought of what actually attracts celebrities to politics.
It has also become obvious that these stars flock around politicians for various reasons.
Some opined that whatever reason they are busy campaigning for politicians it’s not far fetched from the ‘Brown Envelope’ syndrome they will get from these politicians when they pay them courtesy visits.
LEADERSHIP INTERVAL recalled that the Actor’s Guild of Nigeria (AGN) led by its President Ibinabo Fiberesima, in February 2014, paid a courtesy call on president Goodluck Jonathan at the presidential villa in Abuja and conferred on him, the award of the Grand Patron of their association.
The act which was highly criticised by some Nollywood stars like Mr Ibu, Clarion Chukwura and others, was also described by Nollywood fans as selfish interest on the part of the AGN members and to the detriment of other entertainers.
But Fiberesima, in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP INTERVAL, on Monday, denied visiting the president. She said “AGN did not visit the president. There was nothing like that.”
Some would ask if the person they saw during the network news was a ghost or not the association leaders which also prompted the back lash.
Other observers however linked the trend to the $200 million promise made to the industry by the president in 2010.
The money is said to be jointly managed and disbursed by the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) bank.
The AGN president also confirmed that the fund was being accessed by entertainers. According to her, “I know a lot of people have accessed the fund and a lot of people have gone on training through the scheme which is the Project Art Nollywood.”
She however dismissed the claim that they were campaigning for financial reasons, saying every Nigerian has the right to campaign and vote for whoever they wish.
“I have the right to campaign for any body. I personally respect and believe in President Goodluck Jonathan, so it is my choice” she explained.
However, why a host of entertainers are campaigning for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) others have joined the campaign for APC.
Just recently, popular Nigerian artistes, including Olu Maintain, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Skales, Azadus, Praiz and others were said to have been hosted by Buhari’s supporters.
Other entertainer including Terry G, Kenny Saint Best,Olamide, Yemi Alade, Dammy Krane, Gbenga Adeyinka, Omo Akin, Desmond Elliott, Uti Nwachukwu, Funke Akindele, Ice Prince, MI, Banky W, Olamide and Kayswitch have also joined the APC campaign train.
Meanwhile, observers have hinted that most of these entertainers who have turned campaigners may end up not even voting as some of them may not even be in the country during the elections.
A political Science Student from University of Abuja, Olise Mba, said these entertainers are just hired to come on stage and perform during campaigns.
“They are just doing what they know how to do best for the sake of money. Many of them do not even have voter’s card and may not even be around during the election. So, if you ask me, their campaign do not make a difference.”
Also supporting the notion, Fyn Ijebu Chic as she wants to be called was surprised that entertainers could stoop so low in selling their rights for money. “Chai! Madam Onyeka fell my hand big time. Which yeye voice?These lots have been paid. Any entertainer that supports a political party to this extent was paid to do so! Wasn’t D’banj paid to sell thrash to Nigerian youth at the last election? Where is D’banj self with his ‘ Goodluck for me’ campaign? Joseph Yobo, was it because of Goodluck that Nigeria failed to qualify? These entertainers should swear that Goodluck didn’t pay them for this. I am at home jobless, no light, no money, no good road, I lost friends in the Kano and Abuja bomb blast and you expect me to vote?
Each of you should give me 50 per cent of what you were paid and I’ll vote Goodluck. Same with any entertainer that supports APC .
Same with any entertainer that supports SDP, ANPP, APGA.’ she frowned.
Contrary, Amina Hassan, a Primary School Teacher in Abuja said the entertainers are coming out in their numbers in support for APC because they are fed up with PDP government. “They are doing what they doing not because of money but because they need just every other Nigerian.”
But Sunshine believes that entertainers are like the Biblical Esau. “I dont need to explain further. Those ones that support Buhari can’t do it openly for the fear of being left out when Badluck is re-elected. Buy cartons of Indomie, ‘HUNGRY’ man size, give these people, they’d sing a differentt tune. And these are the people that are supposed to be campaigning for change. None of these people took part in the BBOG campaign. Well, of course, if bleached out Mona’s daughter was among. May God rid us of this leeches.” she prayed.
In addition, according to a media publicity, Bukky Sawyer Izeogu said the money was released for other sectors like Agriculture and not every farmer had access to the funds because certain criteria and procedure have been put in place by the government. For instance, time spans, adequate proposal, qualifications and others. Same for the entertainment industry, “not all entertainers or celebrities will have assess to the loan made available by federal government for financing the sector”.
Bukky said, ” so the politicians also endorse the entertainers to promote their products and brands for them during elections . Some have admired this stunt and some critizied the publicity process as just a pawn by politicians to just manipulate the public or masses to vote for them. “
Popular musician, Olamide aka ‘badoo’ publicist also stated that in terms of celebrities like Olamide and Yemi Alade campaigning for the All Progressive Congress (APC) is just an endorsement, like those done by MTN, Airtel and Globacom because of the followership and fans these celebrities have on their trail.
So the companies can have their brands and products purchased by artistes fans.
Entertainers like Clarion Chukwurah, Mr Ibu have frown against the act of celebrities been endorsed by politicians.
Entertainers are always busy campaigning for the president and whenever they are sick the government they tend to promote still abandoned them nor help to assist them with money for treatment.
Daddy Showkey was at the presidential villa in Abuja on Sunday to pay a visit to President Jonathan and confirmed his support to the presidential campaign.
Nonye who was surprised seeing actress Kate Henshaw at the campaign rally of the president said “is it not the same Kate Henshaw that was witnessed on a podium at the “Occupy Lagos” rally in Falomo publicly and vehemently castigating Jonathan (when she addressed the large assembly) for being inefficient and for playing on Nigerians’intelligence with the “I didn’t have shoes when I was growing up” ploy? Kate’s near-exact words were… “for the next election, anybody wey tell you say im no get shoe, make you gave am money make im go buy shoe, carry im wahala dey go!” Wonderful where her allegiance is now? She asked.
Rita Oguebie (FGN 2014) in her opinion feels politics is meant for everybody, so if top entertainers are trying their hands in politics, it shouldn’t be regarded as awkward.
Also she stressed that these celebrities contribute to politics because they can use the means to effect positive change in the society.
Aside from the general ideology that the political campaign team use artistes to deceive the public, she feels
“Politicians aren’t using entertainers just for their selfish means, the politicians want celebrities to contribute to transformational changes needed in Nigeria”.
Even with the debate, many still find it difficult to believe that Nigeria celebrities could decent so low in wanting to deceive Nigerians that they have the power to lure voters to a certain candidate.
Speaking, Harmony Best said…
“Look at their shameless faces, hunger mongrels. What has GEJ achieve in 6-years of power to deserve another chance? Little wonder the world regards our country as a failed state. As an Igbo, I urge my people to vote devoid of religion and tribalism, Jonathan will bear Ebele Azikiwe during elections to deceive us, after the election you won’t see him bear the names anymore. Who is fooling who?’ she asked.
An entertainer who doesn’t want his name on print asked “Why should I campaign for anyone when there are lots of questions that have not gotten an answer. Where are the refineries? What about the crude oil sale suplus? What about the investigations into NNPC remittance of insufficient funds into the nation’s account? Wat about the SURE P embezzlement allegations?.” The list is endless. I’m not Pro Buhari but I am pro-change,let’s shake up the establishment” he advised.
But Mathew Dike a resident of Abuja believes that the entertainers are in the right track.
“I am solidly behind all of you. Not that Eldee. Mostly from the south and east. All the Yoruba and Lagos musicians were absent, they prefer GMB that will lock all of them in prison and stabilise oil prices.”
Omo said…
“Are they saying Jona 2015 because he has worked well or because they are benefiting from him. If they feel it’s ok, posterity will judge them . Jona 2015 with all this suffering we are experiencing. God will take revenge on administration especially Abba moro for robbing me of my hard earned 1k. Because of lack of jobs I started my own business, common light goverment can not give me to help my small business. I buy fuel to power my generator. Anybody that is against the growth of Nigeria because of their selfish interest will die this year by the grace of God, nonsense.”
According to a respondent who wants to be known as Incoming Virus said…
“So if GEJ no win, will Nollywood turn opposition? Some institutions are supposed to be apolitical! What’s Nollywood got to do with open campaign? ” he asked.
However, Nigerians are worried that entertainers are only after the immediate benefit they could get From politicians not minding what the generality of the the country could face when such is done. But they are still hopeful that entertainers involvement in politics would bring about positive change in the entertainment industry and in the country at large.
About Unknown
Deji Sadiq, a.k.a DEJI OF LAGOS is a LASU trained Economist turned freelance journalist, a Blogger, an information strategist, a public affairs analyst and a committed activist with a passion for equal opportunities.
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