I'm too simple to be political - Tony Umez

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Veteran actor Tony Umez talks to VICTORIA EDEME about celebrity involvement in politics

There have been reports that a particular presidential candidate has asked you to support them with a certain amount of money. Is it true?

This report is false, and I don't know where it came from. No one approached me for anything. No one has approached me to endorse anyone for N10m.

I have my favorite candidate.

What do you think should be the limit of artists' political engagement?

All artists have their political preferences. After all, all human beings are said to be political animals. Politics rules the country. As an individual, we are partisan. Artists have the right to support those they believe can provide the benefits they want.

But, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, to which I belong, is non-partisan. Nollywood as a unit is non-partisan. It should be apolitical. However, the individuals who make up AGN can support whoever they want. But, if it's done under the aegis of the AGN, the Directors Guild of Nigeria, or any other association, I don't think that's right.

What do you think of artists who publicly support certain candidates?

I didn't do that because it's not my style. However, people who know me know who I support. Supporting a candidate publicly is the choice of whoever decides to do so. Whether the person is doing it for money, or to get noticed in exchange for pecuniary gain, I don't know.

For artists who sponsored candidates, I don't know if they were paid or not. You cannot force anyone to support their candidate. Politics is a game. We all have reasons to support particular candidates. If my reason for supporting a candidate doesn't please anyone, that doesn't give them the right to castigate me.

It's just that there's a general sense of rage and anger across the country because of all the things we're going through as a nation. Some people believe that when you support a particular person, you are doing a disservice to the nation, based on what we have on the ground. The bottom line is that politics is a game. Anyone can play it, but they must not insult others in the process.

What do you think of artists who aspire to public office?

Aren't they human beings? They have the right to vote and to be elected. They are Nigerians, educated in education and mature enough to tell right from wrong. It then depends on the electorate. Do they think these people are the right people to fulfill their expectations? If so, they can vote for them.

Remember that if they leverage their social capital very well, they (artists) can bring a lot to the table. Politics is a numbers game, and some of these artists have a huge following.

Some of these artists-turned-politicians were criticized by their fans. What do you think of that?

Everyone has the right to do what they want within the framework of the law. If we are a fan of someone and we feel that their model is not doing well, we have the right to criticize this person. For example, if I feel that as a candidate for deputy governor I can contribute a lot if I'm in public service, why wouldn't I? No matter what we do, some people will be against it. It is the way of the world. You have to keep in mind that not everyone will be for one. While some criticize these artists/politicians, others applaud them.

Have you ever considered joining politics?

I'm too straight to be bent. This is the only way for me to answer this question.

Are you saying artists who do politics are the ones who are "folded"?

Don't interpret this. When I say I'm too straight to bend over, that means I'm going to walk on my toes. I am politically aware.

This statement says a lot. We all know how politics is in Nigeria. I don't want to compromise myself, especially not at the level where I am now.

What is your advice to Nigerians regarding the upcoming elections?

Vote according to your conscience. Don't sell your future.