Oworu also traced the apathy among the youth in Nigeria to the brand of ‘dirty politics’ practised in the country.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nollywood actor Olumide Oworu has blamed the widespread corruption in Nigeria on the fact that politicians view politics as a career rather than as a medium of service.
He made the assertion recently while appearing as a guest on the latest episode of The Clarity Zone podcast.
According to the thespian-turned-politician, politics ought to be about creating systems that will ultimately serve the needs of the people.
Oworu, who contested for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2023, noted that many Nigerian politicians chase self-aggrandisement because they have no means of livelihood aside from politics.
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He added that political apathy among the youth is caused by the brand of “dirty politics” practised in Nigeria.
Speaking during the interview, he said: “Politics is two things – systems and service. I think the type of politics and the idea of who a politician is, is why a lot of young people shy away from it. They think it is dirty and for the unexposed.
“But on the contrary, it is for people who are learned and well-travelled; people who have means. Politics is not supposed to be a career, but it is for a lot of people in Nigeria, and that is the issue.
“We have career politicians and that is the problem. You are going to do whatever it takes to get into office because you have no plan B. The entirety of your existence is hinged on getting into this office. The life that you envisioned for yourself and your family is tied to whether you get into office or not. This is also why you need a godfather; because you are willing to do whatever it takes to get into the office. You are bringing almost no value to the table.
“I don’t think that godfatherism should be in politics but, sadly, a lot of politicians have godfathers because of the style of politics we practise. We need to change that. What should matter is capacity.”
