Encomium
GOSPEL artiste, Kenny Saint Best is pursuing her political career with full throttle. She has submitted her nominations form and she is waiting for the primaries in November. She is contesting on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). She’s going to the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikeja Constituency 1.
ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with her about her political ambition and more.
What is the latest development about your political ambition?
I just got an endorsement by Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), for my political mission. Officially, I am one of the faces of the entertainment industry. I am not running for myself but for the entertainment industry. COSON endorsed me on Tuesday, October 27, 2014.
The public impression is that political ambition involves a lot of money. You being an entertainer, how will you get funds for it?
We have already started spending money but once we get to the primaries, things will be better. I wouldn’t be the only one doing the spending. I have been using personal money and contribution from people that believe in the vision. Once I am chosen from the party, it means I am doing the party’s job. They wouldn’t leave you when they make you the flag bearer, it becomes a team work. They will get involved financially. I cannot deny the fact that I have been getting money from the people that believe in my dreams.
A lot of people believe the sponsorship is from your family?
It is expected to be and so be it in Jesus name. The support I am getting from my family is what money should pay for. I have been getting media support from them. At first, they felt I was joking but later when they saw my seriousness, they started showing their support.
Why the choice of APC?
I have been in Lagos State all my life. I am a beneficiary of the former first lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Remi Tinubu’s goodwill. I enjoyed her support. She is like a mother to me. When she was going, she handed me over to Dame (Mrs.) Abimbola Fashola. She took me like a sister. So, if I want to serve, I have to give back to the party that helped me. The party also believes in what I believe in, change, turn around. Even the new Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose acknowledged that his predecessor turned the state around. The same thing happened in other APC states. They are all agents of change. That is why I want to serve in that capacity.
What do you have to offer to your people?
What is paramount on my agenda is youth and socio-economic development. The youth have been neglected for too long. The vices they exhibit is as a result of neglect. It is high time we attended to the youth.
The second agenda is on entertainment. I want the youth to develop their talents. If they don’t get employment, they can invest in their talents. I believe I am the voice of entertainment. I will represent my industry well and make ways for government to invest in it.
I also want to work on women agenda. There are things women should enjoy but are struggling like men to get. A lot of women are bread winners at home. To get loan is a big problem for women, most of them don’t have the collateral. I want to push the women agenda. I also want to do my best in eliminating corruption. I will carry the people along. A lot of people will get there and will change their contacts. I will make sure I maintain the contact between the legislature and the people. I want a sustainable ideology for the youth. I am not after power, no, I am not.
Have you gotten your nomination form?
I am on my way to submit it now. The form was made free and available for all women contesting in APC. It is a proof to certify that the party wants more women in government.
By the time you win, how will you cope with entertainment and politics?
There will be less performance and more of consulting.
– SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
