Desmond Elliot Talks Politics Again, Agrees Entertainers Are Going Into Politics For Money
Desmond Elliot in this new interview with Vanguard speaks
again about his political career and why he ventured into politics. He also
spoke about how he has campaigned for top politicians including a president in
the past which gave him the experience he has now, and why he can never leave
Nollywood and lastly agreeing that there is money in politics, after all you use
money to play the game before getting there. Enjoy!
Why did you suddenly go into politics?
I didn’t suddenly go into politics; politics has always been
a part of me. I’ve been involved in campaigns for some Governors and even the
President. I’ve been on the campaign trail for very long time now. Even though
I have never sought any elective office before I have always had it at back of
my mind as something I would do one day. It is not a surprise at all, it’s a
well-thought out action and I came very prepared. I didn’t just sleep one day
and say okay, it’s time to go into politics
If you were elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly,
what change should people expect from you?
A Lot; First, I’m young, dynamic, very vibrant and fast
thinking. I’ve had lots of links with corporate bodies, private bodies and
nonprofit organizations. Through me I know a lot can be achieved because of my
articulated experience. Just wait and see me in action.
Why Surulere?
That’s my constituency; I think it’s good I face my
constituency for now
Are you going to leave Nollywood if you get elected?
I can never leave Nollywood, I am only going to help in
propagating and promoting laws that would help to structure the industry and
make it better and improve it from the present situation – that’s it.
Many people believe that entertainers are getting into
politics because of money?
Granted, yes, there’s money in politics but have you asked
yourself one question, is it sand that you use to play politics? The answer is
No. What you’re playing politics with is money. I’m not so much into what
government is going to be giving as allowance, my idea as a fresh mind is how
to harness the resources around me and provide for the people.
Because if I just stick with what government is giving, then
I am just going to be like everybody else. But when I harness resources from
both home and abroad, harness NGOs, harness non-profit organizations, corporate
bodies, private bodies, and bring all into creating social responsibility and
social development in the people, then I know I’m achieving something that has
not been done before.
That is the major difference I’m bringing in; using me and
the platform I have to create a lot and to make so many changes. It’s already
started.
