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Julius Agwu has a dream. A dream to be the Governor of the oil-rich Rivers State. 9Ice also shares a similar dream. One which he hopes will take him to the pinnacle of the country’s legislature, representing his people from Oyo State. They hope to be the first entertainment practitioners to gain access to an elected position.
But can this really work? Can Julius Agwu successfully switch from being an object of human admiration and provider of entertainment to a bastion of leadership? Do his chances look good? Does he have the clout, influence and stomach for the unsavoury process of getting elected? Does he?
A walk through memory lane shows the marriage between entertainment and politics to be a taboo. It never works. Cast your glances to a certain pretty-boy singer, turned clergyman, turned politician: Every election year, Chris Okotie descends from his pulpit, and attempts to bring God’s Kingdom to the presidency. It has never worked, and will never work. People don’t think he’s serious enough, and the ones who do, feel a certain repulsion because his Kingdom is not supposed to be of this world.
For Julius Agwu, his conviction lies with members of his social circle who have achieved success in firing him up. 4 years ago, he didn’t think this was his calling. He was content to live a life of comic delight, raise his family and make as much money as he can. What changed Julius?
โBecoming the governor of Rivers State was not something that came up overnight. It was not on my radar back then. The people of Rivers State in the Diaspora and those in the State have been clamouring for me to come out as an aspirant. They believe I have what it takes to go for it. It just dawned on me that I indeed have what it takes. I have given it a serious thought and have given in to their pressure.” . Julius revealed when being questioned.
Leadership isn’t a thing that flows from your social circle or arises from external influence it comes from within, after careful reflection, analysis, and conviction. Only then can action be taken, and change be effected.
On the political angle, can Julius become dirty? We all know politics isn’t a game for people with light stomachs. You need depth and a heart of steel to survive…and thrive. The Nigerian political terrain is littered with intrigue, betrayal, natural selection, killings and ruination. Can Julius who’s strength comes from his adoring fans and wealthy friends still maintain his current ‘clean’ status, when the going gets tough, and the dark deeds become necessary.
When you dine with a brood of vipers, and aspire to become one, your public perception goes to shit. Check out the cases of Reuben Abati and the late Dora Akunyili who both lost the crowd with their entrance into organized politics.
Can Julius do this? Can he afford it? Is he a politician?
“I cannot really call myself a politician, but l am someone who prays and wish for things to get better than it is in this country. I believe I can help to achieve what my brother started in Rivers State. It is a known truth that Port Harcourt was the Garden City of this great country, but we lost that glory because of poverty and neglect, coupled with incessant militancy and kidnapping. Governor Amaechi has done well for the State, but we still need good hands after he leaves to continue the good work.” Julius revealed. He is not a politician.
To succeed in Nigerian politics, you need to be a politician. A lying, cheating sell-out, who has multiple agenda, and Julius Agwu is not ready to be a Nigerian politician. Julius Agwu does not tick all the right boxes. He will not win the 2015 Gubernatorial election of Rivers State.
Maybe he can. And he can readily pull his inspiration from past greats who have successfully made the switch from entertainment to leadership. Arnold Schwarzenegger first gained fame as a body builder, using that as a launching point to become a huge Hollywood star and, later, the governor of California.
Perhaps th at will be the path of Julius Agwu. Maybe the stars will smile on him.
