From Nollywood to political office: Would Thespians make better politicians?

“Actors lie, manipulate and pretend they are something they are not. It is little wonder that many of them make good politicians.” —Chris Whitefield
It seems Nollywood has caught the political-bug as more thespians declare their intentions to run for political office come 2015. However fashionable politics may be in Nollywood at the moment, it is not a new phenomenon nor is it confined to Nigeria.
A number of actors and actresses across the world have ventured into politics and their adventure has been chequered so far.
Renowned for his political skills rather than acting, Ronald Wilson Reagan in the 1980s was catapulted from a B-movie actor to the White House. Others soon followed suit notable among them is Arnold Schwarzenegger who successfully made the transition from silver screen to State House. He served two terms as the Governor of California

While both Reagan and Schwarzenegger had successful political careers, the same cannot be said of some of their counterparts.
In the mid 1980’s, Bollywood’s biggest star Amitabh Bachchan fought the elections on a Congress party ticket from his northern hometown of Allahabad. He won convincingly but called it quit midway through his term in the parliament after realising that he was in over his head
“I realise that politics wasn’t about emotion, it was a much bigger game and I possibly couldn’t handle it”.
Coming into office, former Philippine President Joseph Estrada,mesmerised the Filipinos with his star appeal and by portraying himself as a “Robin Hood” figure but after he was elected, he busied himself with embezzling and kept numerous mistresses.He was overthrown in 2001 in a popular uprising over corruption allegations, detained, found guilty of plunder in 2007 and given a life sentence. He was eventually freed after receiving a presidential pardon.
Records have shown that thespians-turned- politicians could go on to have successful careers by delivering on their manifesto pledges but it could also turn out to be a failure. This is however not to say that thespians should not get involved in politics. That would be unconstitutional.
They have the same rights as everyone else but the problem lies with their intention, credibility, and ability to deliver and some cynics do not believe they have sincere intentions
They argue that actors and celebrities are no different from politicians if anything, they are more devious as they have a head start in the business of manipulation and pretence. Some are alleging that Nollywood Thespians are venturing into politics because of greed and hunger not because they have anything tangible to offer.
Regardless of the cynics, several promises have been made.
Offiong Kate Henshaw has promised, “to promote and champion the provision of clean water, good roads and sanitation in my constituency.”
“I have a strong interest and desire to serve my people and especially show that there is a better more humane way to do things when you are in a position of leadership. Putting the people first and being accountable to them as well as being accessible.
“One of my key areas of project focus will be provision of affordable education and quality healthcare especially for expectant and young mothers.
Ms Henshaw is running for a seat in the House of Representatives so; she is part of the lawmakers but delivering on her promise might be complicated. Even without being a politician, she could promote and champion the provision of clean water, good roads and sanitation. However, delivering good water, road and sanitation might not be within her reach even as a lawmaker.
Olusola Desmond Eliot on the other hand, is running under the umbrella of the APC and pledges to create a Sports Initiative Programme, Widows Aid Programme, Health Care For The Elderly, Health care for nursing mothers & children, town hall meetings and open door feedback initiative.
His manifesto is very impressive but unrealistically glazed in the razzmatazz of a fantasy world. In reality, other politicians have also promised one thing or the other and since he does not have veto power, everyone will clamour for what he wants. Hence, the numerous brawls, blows and chair swinging associated with House of Representatives.
Their other colleagues have also made different promises, which might be difficult to attain as they are all going for House of Representatives in different constituencies. However, Julius Agwu may be able to deliver on his manifesto since he is running for governor.
Support them or dissuade them, thespians-turned-politicians is the new face of Nigerian politics. How bad can they be? They can either follow Reagan or Estrada.
CULLED FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE