Ahead of Nigeria's elections, entertainers turn to speak their mind

AHEAD of the presidential election next month, there is a palpable excitement running through every sector of the country, including the entertainment industry, which had until now been relatively apolitical. As some entertainers have made it clear, the stake of the industry in the socio-economic fortunes of the country has risen exponentially and has thus conferred on it as much right as any to be part of the political process.

From movie stars to music stars to the comedians, there isn’t any consensus of opinion as to who has been endorsed by the entertainers. Their choices are as divergent as many as they are:

No one has the right to endorse anyone on behalf of the industry — Bob Manuel-Udokwu

DON’T listen to those attention seekers who claim they speak for our industry. They have
no mandate to endorse any candidate on behalf of the industry. I speak for myself alone on this matter and I believe that’s how it is supposed to be. Having said that, I endorse Goodluck Jonathan to continue as president. He has clear ideas and practical programmes to positively transform Nigeria.

He needs more time to actualise his vision for Nigeria but Nigerians want immediate result which is wrong. The result/benefits of most of Jonathan’s programmes today will be seen/felt long after he completes his second term in office. He is the only president of Nigeria to notice the viability of the entertainment industry and takes practical steps to assist the multi-million naira industry which is second largest employer of labour outside the civil service!