Entertainment is a form of activity that holds the attention and interest of an audience, or gives pleasure and delight. It can be an idea or a task, but is more likely to be one of the activities or events that have developed over the years specifically for the purpose of keeping an audience's attention. Their primary purpose should be to provide amusement, or generally draw us out of depressions. But right now in Nigeria, entertainers are finding more meaning to their calls. They are moving away from ‘entertaining’ us to aspiring to ‘leading’ us as they are joining politics.
This is not only peculiar to Nigeria but a global trend; these are some of world entertainers that are now on the list of entertainer-politician, Arnold Schwarzenegger (Republican) (Former Governor of California), Mikhail Yevdokimov (Governor of the Altai Krai region of Russia), Amitabh Bachchan (Ex-MP India), Cesar Montano (Unsuccessful senatorial candidate, Philippines), Ronald Reagan (Republican) ( former Governor of California, former President of the United States), Glenda Jackson (Labour) (Member of Parliament, UK) the list is endless. At least if you are not too conversant with other names you are likely to know Reagan, Arnold and Amitabh. Though it is unclear how the revolution of interest started in Nigeria; but no sooner one entertainer expressed his intention to run for an elective position than the others joined in – in droves. At present count, no fewer than 15 entertainers have expressed their interests to run in the 2015 general elections. Many of them think they have a good chance. Many more believe they have as much right as anyone to seek political offices and perhaps even more qualified than some of the so-called politicians.
Desmond Eliot is his words said “Entertainment as an industry has contributed immensely to the growth of the Nigerian economy and as such, it is not absurd or strange that those who have contributed to the growth of the economy should want to partake in politics to serve”, Desmond is gunning for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Another big shot joining politics is one of Nigeria’s renowned entertainment guru and media barons, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye (D-ONE). D1 is said to be on a mission to rescue and rebuild the future of his people at Odogbolu Constituency of Ogun state, South West Nigeria. The entertainment guru and co-founder of Primetime Entertainment is vying to be a member of the Ogun state House of Assembly under APC. Actress Bukky Wright has also joined the ever-growing list of entertainers joining politics. She will be vying for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives under the aegis of the Social Democratic Party in Abeokuta south constituency. Another actress that has joined the race is Nollywood actress, Funke Adesiyan, she has picked the expression of interest form to run for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly. She will be joining other entertainers like Jibola Dabo, kate Henshaw, Yemi Solade, Tony Tetuila, Julius Agwu, Abolore Akande ,aka 9ice, Bob Manuel Udokwu, kenny saint Best , Muma Gee and others vying for political positions in next year’s general elections.
From all the nooks and crannies of the country, they have all sprouted up to run, according to some of them, to have a better representation for their people; but my only fear is the possibilities of some of them forgetting the profession that brought them to limelight; for those of them that might get elected, I want them to contantly remember that politics is not a profession and from research all full time politician might go broke in the long run; and that is why such politicians will never want to quit because there is nothing to fall back on after politics.
There is a very high possibilities for this upcoming politicians to quit their profession fully if elected because of so many influencing factors associated with Nigerian politics ; this will not only affect their future career, dampened the heart of their numerous fans but will equally make them fade away easily after politics. Politicians and diapers have one thing in common --- constant change and for the same reason. Typical examples of former entertainers that have joined politics in Nigeria and have tactical withdrawn from their calls are RMD, Tony one week and Hon. Rotimi Makinde; I bet you can’t remember the last time you saw these guys on set.
As I join other well-meaning Nigerians to wish you luck in your political endeavor, please remember that deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.
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