What we expect from Buhari – Nigerian Celebrities share

For perhaps the first time since the return of democracy in Nigeria, showbiz stars participated actively in the electioneering process, taking part in campaigns and even voting, all in a bid to make their voices heard.

Apart from that, they were determined to make their efforts count while advocating for improved growth in the entertainment industry.

In the course of the campaigns, most entertainers took sides with one side or the other to support their preferred candidate for the post of President, across the two major divides of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

With the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as winner of the March 28, 2015 Presidential election, entertainers are sharing their views on his victory and speaking about their expectations from the retired general and former Head of State at the helm of affairs from May 29, 2015.

Some of the entertainers who spoke exclusively to NET include Kunle Afolayan, Saeon, Ruggedman, and Owen Gee and we present to you their thoughts below.

Jahbless: ‘Congratulations to General Buhari. I expect a workable government with him in charge, especially with the goodwill he enjoys across the country. But if after 4 years you disappoint Nigerians, we shall all rally and vote you out the same way we voted you in. Thank you.’

Saeon: ‘I believe this will be the true beginning of War Against Corruption. It’s already looking like a total victory for Nigeria. I see Nigerians ready to work with the government and vice versa. This government is of and by the people. I see it finally ready to be for the people.’

Ruggedman: ‘His victory is good for him; I now wait for his actions to see if it will make his victory also good for us the citizens of Nigeria. Instead of expecting, I pray he does better than the presidents before him by making life less difficult for us. We need one major thing, and that’s constant electricity. Other countries have it, meaning it is achievable in our great country, Nigeria, God bless the President, God bless Nigeria.’

Owen Gee: ‘Bros, na light o, we don too suffer this light matter, electricity is a major problem in this country. There’s also the issue of insecurity, our safety as citizens hasn’t been guaranteed in a while and finally, accountability in leadership. People who deserve to be in the right positions should be there, people with proven track records and ability to perform.’

Kunle Afolayan: ‘For me, everybody is entitled to what they believe but what I wanted all along is good governance. The truth is we were not getting it from the present administration. We have engaged the figures of the opposition, especially the Vice-President-elect and of course, I am aware of the pedigree of Buhari as a former Head of State.’

‘I shot something for Osinbajo that ought to have featured Buhari but I didn’t do that because of work but because I believe in what they represent.’

‘Goodluck’s administration supported my industry the way no Federal Government has done before but Nigeria is beyond the industry. I think if the country is in good shape it will rub off on everyone and all sectors, including my industry. That is my reason for supporting the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket and I expect that from them.’

Toyin Aimakhu: ‘I know quite a number of you have been waiting for this, so here it is. To start with, I love you all and if you insult me I will jegalise you.. a lot of you have been Arsenal fans for a very long time and even without many victories, you still support them, so I urge you all to view this as one of those matches, people lose, they get hurt and eventually get over it and move on… I congratulate APC and I believe in one Nigeria… despite your abuses and insults (orubebeism) pls, stay out of trouble and violence; no politician is worth our blood… love you all.’

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde: Re-echoing the words of former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings, Omotola said: ‘Nigerians did not vote for just anyone. They voted for a man whose integrity is extremely high. Nigeria is tired of corruption and the choice of this leader is a clear indication of where she wants to go. I hope General Buhari will put together a team whose understanding of the power of the people recognizes and respects the will of the people

Ini Edo: Congratulations Rtd. General Muhammadu Buhari, President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I also congratulate Nigeria on the peace shown during the elections. I had supported Jonathan, but your voices have been heard and your votes counted. Nigeria is about to embark on a new journey and my prayer is for Nigeria to continue to stand as one nation in peace and harmony. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

-thenet