The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Sunday reacted to Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s statement describing him (Obi) as a Nollywood actor.
Recall that El-Rufai had described the former Governor of Anambra State as a Nollywood actor who is incapable of winning the presidential election and would receive a meager one percent in the north, when he appeared on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout.
However, Obi during an interview on Arise TV, said El-Rufai’s claim would enable him to intensify the means to woo more Nigerians, thereby increasing his percentage in the northern part of the country.
The LP flagbearer emphasized that Nollywood is a crucial sector in Nigeria that requires development.
Peter Obi claims he is pleased to be associated with the Nollywood business and has asked for everyone’s assistance to ensure the success of their operations.
Obi said, “I thank El-Rufai for what he said, at least he gave me some percentage, so I’m going to work around and improve those percentages. And he also recognized the fact that I’m an actor and I think what is holding the country from development is the ability to release those engines that will develop us.
“One of the most critical places I want to focus on is improving our entertainment industry which includes Nollywood, and now that I’m an acclaimed actor, am asking all those in the entertainment industry because I am one of them, to support me, so I can improve their operation.
“What more can you do when those in the industry recognize me as one of them? I want them to support me so that we can be able to ensure the good of their business pattern.”
Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s comment has received criticism from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), saying it is offensive and insulting.
The response was disclosed in a statement released on Saturday by Kate Henshaw, the Guild’s director of communication.
The group is requesting that the Governor of Kaduna State retract the statement and issue an apology.
The governor’s use of an actor to make such examples in that context, according to AGN, is unintelligent and arrogant.