Encomium
Actor Bob Manuel Udokwu has joined the league of entertainers vying for political posts in 2015 general election. He will be running for House of Assembly, representing Idemili North Constituency (Anambra) on the platform of APGA.
ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with him about his political ambition.
We learnt you are going into politics. Is it true. Sir?
I have been in politics since I was given the role of special adviser on Nollywood and entertainment in Anambra state under the leadership of this present administration. If you mean am I contesting for a post in Anambra State House of Assembly. Yes, I am interested in vying for a political position in the 2015 general elections in Anambra State House of Assembly to represent Idemili North Constituency. I want to go to the grassroots.
On what platform?
All Progressive Grand Alliance
A lot of entertainers seem to have fallen in love with politics?
People ask that a lot. Why are people raising eyebrow on it? A lot of people from other sectors have also gone into politics. There shouldn’t be an exception. In the U.S, a lot of entertainers are into politics. Why are journalists always asking this question? We are often called political actors. I don’t see anything wrong in entertainers going into politics. I am proud I put Nigeria on the world map as an actor, there is nothing bad in it if I do that in politics as well.
A lot of veterans are going into politics, what will happen to the industry when they all leave?
The industry will not fall. Going into politics will not take away my years of experience, the years I have invested in the industry, will rather enhance it. I am going into politics to make things better.
What will happen to your acting career?
My going into politics will not affect my acting career. The older one gets in it, the better. I shot some movies of recent that won me nominations and award. Older wine is better. Doing this business is a calling. Perhaps, God has called me for another, the best is yet to come.
How prepared are you for the task ahead?
Like a good actor that I am, there is no doubt about that. As a good actor will prepare before going to shoot, I know what I am going to do. I will definitely get the expected result.
What is the agenda you will work on?
I will help Idemili North develop further. I will make it a constituency to beat. I will help the vision of the current administration, to make it an investment, cultural and entertainment hub of the country.
Who will sponsor your political ambition because it will involve a lot of money?
Even when you shoot a movie, you need money for it as well. For me, it is not about the financial implication but the end result. We need to give hope to younger people. Let those who are sane, people who have been tested go in. I have been tested in the industry. I believe I am up to the task. Money has a role, no doubt, but we should not forget the end result.
