Nigerian artistes are proving to be more politically conscious than ever. Now it seems that the words ‘positioning‘ and ‘strategizing‘ are beginning to sound better in their ears than a movie sound track or the rhythmic twang of a guitar. Little wonder then that no less than 50 music and movie artistes, perhaps representing the entire entertainment industry in Nigeria gathered in Federal Capital Territory to urge President Goodluck Jonathan to run in the forthcoming 2011 presidential elections.
Our man in Abuja, FRIDAY OLOKOR, witnessed it all on Wednesday at the corporate headquarters of the Goodluck Jonathan Support Group in Abuja.
The artistes had gathered under the pseudonym ‘Naija Artistes for Goodluck Jonathan‘. According to their spokesman, Mr. Francis Duru, the artistes had decided to work with the pro-Jonathan group towards mobilizing the masses ahead of next year‘s election.
”We came here because we have one spirit, and we are not a rented crowd. We are here because it goes beyond Goodluck Jonathan; we are here because of new breadth and correct the siddon look syndrome. We are here to say that the time has come to encourage national development and tell Jonathan that we are solidly behind him and are ready to garner support for him. We are here to say that Goodluck Jonathan should run for the 2011 presidency to change the nation for good,” Duru had said.
Other artistes artistes include Ngozi Ezeonu Desmond Elliot, Chris Mbah, Basorje Tariah jr, Daddy Showkey, Ayo Emmanuel, Fati Mohammed, Zack Azeez, Sammy Okposo, Weird MC, Sunny Neji, African China, Lynch Edochie, renowned Nollywood Director, Andy Nwakalor and CEO, Diamond Music Entertainment, Juliette Reini.
