Nollywood artistes campaign for APC

• Raise awareness on violence-free election at Yaba rally

YORUBA Nollywood actors and actresses yesterday stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) guber rally in Lagos, declaring support for the party and its candidates in the coming elections.

   The all-stars, numbering about 15, were cynosure of all eyes at the Yaba motor-park venue of the rally, as they took turns to perform, telling Lagosians to get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), troop out en masse on election days and ensure a violent-free exercise.

    Among the artists on parade were Moji Olaiya, Remi Shitta-Bay; Remi Oshodi (Surutu); Ronke Oshodi-Oke; Iyabo Oko; Eniola Badmus (Omo-Ghetto); Fadeyi Oloro; L’Awori among others.

  In one voice, they claimed that they had seen the good works of the party in Lagos and have no apologies to some of their colleagues that are threatening them to queue behind the opposition party.

  Indeed, it was obvious that the political climate has divided the movie industry.

  The popular actress with astonishing beauty and unique Yoruba/Egun accent, Remi Oshodi, popularly called Remi Surutu, claimed that some PDP members have been calling her mobile line, to threaten her for her allegiance to APC. 

  Oshodi rained curses on the camp of the opposition, stressing she would never have a part in “blood letting and blood sucking political caucus.”

   She urge her fans, among others at the rally, to go for their PVCs, saying the campaign would be incomplete without the PVCs to vote on election day.

   Oshodi added: “We are APC and not a violent party. We need no such ‘power’ because we are not going to list cement or fight ourselves. But we are all for change and it is change by free and fair election.”

   The heavy built popular actress, Iyabo Oko, also appealed for votes on behalf of all candidates of the APC at all levels, stressing that the opposition has nothing to offer.

  According to Oko, “I’ve been in the party I find that they have nothing to offer, so we decamped to the party of the progressives. So they started threatening that they will kill us. But they cannot. We will disarm them with our votes,” she said.

  Former Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTAP), Remi Shitta-Bay, reminded the people that the dates for presidential and gubernatorial elections are February 14 and 28.

   Eniola Badmus, popularly called Omo-Ghetto, also thrilled the fans. Her message is for the people to support the party. Badmus campaigned against the call for stomach infrastructure, describing it as an attempt to mortgage their future. 

  “Do not sell your vote for a cup of rice. We have seen the works of Fashola and all we want is continuity. Do not waste your vote,” she said.

  Fadeyi Oloro hinted that some people were already preparing to forment trouble, with the plan to disrupt the voting process.

  He appealed to all not to fall into the ploy, rather, to vote and ensure there is no quarrel with anyone.

  Among the politicians on ground were the APC gubernatorial candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife; Chairman of the APC in Lagos, Henry Ajomale; Cardinal James Odunmbaku; Jide Sawolu; Toun Adediran; Olawale Edun; Olarenwaju Oshun; Adetayo Oyemade; Senator representing Lagos Central district, Oluremi Tinubu; Women leader, Kemi Nelson among others.

  Lagos State governor, who was represented by his deputy, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, urged Lagosians to vote Ambode, to complete the good works he had started. 

  Orelope-Adefulire said, though the works had been widely commended, but the job is yet to be completed.

  She said that Lagosians could have the opportunity of getting the job completed if they vote for the APC governorship candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode.

   In his address at the rally, Ambode promised to deliver 1,140 new roads in all the local government and the local council development areas in the state within his first year in office. 

   He explained that 20 new roads would be constructed in each of the 57 councils as part of his plans to re-create new inner roads and making life more comfortable for the people.

  Ambode said he would create employment fund with zero interest. He also promised to cater for widows, single parents and aged in the state.