Encomium
Untainted entrepreneur, Dr Ausbeth Ajagu has joined Nollywood. He just shot the current Super Story produced by Wale Adenuga. The successful businessman however, told ENCOMIUM Weekly in this exclusive phone chat he is not going to be accepting fees from filmmakers, explaining he’s only coming in to do what he has passion for.
Dr Ajagu also bared his mind on the on-going probe of fuel subsidy funds by the National Assembly opening up on his plans for 2015.
Is it true you have joined Nollywood?
Not really, I was only helping, out a friend, not that I’m fully into Nollwood. It is just a celebrity appearance.
We asked because you reportedly shot with the cast and crew of Super Story (Wale Adenuga)…
I have not even seen it. It’s just to show the other side of Ausbeth Ajagu. That is not the only business I’m known for.
You played the role of a judge?
Yes, I did.
How challenging was it?
(Laughs) it was just fun. People should not be rigid. There is more to life than everyday in business. Nollywood is all about entertainment and making people happy. I don’t see anything wrong with that. It is a profession, like every other profession.
When did you develop interest in acting?
We are all actors and actresses because we act in our houses and all that. The way we relate with our husbands and wives may not be far from acting. Anybody can act. You take it serious and read your lines, wear the personality of the character you are about to play.
It is really an interesting profession though.
What was your experience on set?
Nothing much, probably because I have legal background. So it wasn’t a challenge. I have received a lot of phone calls. Some people were happy while some were not but as far as I am concerned, I have not done anything wrong. Some applauded it, and I enjoyed myself.
Would you dump your business for Nollywood?
(Laughs) How can I drop my business for acting? I told you I was not paid, he brought money and I asked him how much he can pay me. It was just fun, a hubby and going out to unwind. You will rather ask me if I want to set up a recording studio or I would be getting actors and actresses to act and sponsor them, not dumping my business for acting.
So, are we seeing more of you in Nollywood?
I don’t know but once in a while if I see a glorious role to play, especially where criminals are dealt with that will be right with my thinking, it should not be necessarily love scenes.
How are your chain of businesses doing?
My businesses are doing very well.
You once aspired to be a senator, is the dream still alive?
Everybody is a political animal, no politics is self-serving provided you play it right not deceiving and embezzling people’s money?
Are you contesting again in the next general elections?
If my people say I should and prayerfully believe and with God direction I will.
So what is your reaction to the fraud that is being exposed by the National Assembly as per fuel subsidy?
it’s an on-going investigation, let them complete their investigations. We can now pass the right judgment. Remember that in as much as we don’t like what we are seeing and hearing, they are still on investigation and they are not guilty until they are found otherwise. That is what the law says.
Are you calling for Jonathan’s resignation?
Why should he resign? Give me one reason he should resign. He has not done anything obnoxious, criminal or illegal so, would he resign. People calling for his resignation are probably from the opposition party. I have not seen what he has done that warrants such call.
Some people are saying they cannot pin-point his major success as the President?
Success of government involves deep thinking and slow action. So he should rather be slow to get good result than fast and get bad result. I am not his spokesman but like I said I have not seen what he has done so wrong, he is not a perfect person and nobody is perfect, we learn from our mistakes and I think we should all rally round and support him if there is anything we feel he has not gotten right we should talk about it and put it in front banners for him to learn. He is a listening president, he is not perfect and nobody really is.
-AJOKE ONITOLO
This story was first published in Encomium Weekly on Tuesday, May 05, 2012
