Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor in Delta State in 2023, has seen his campaign for the office gain momentum as Nollywood industry leaders in the state vowed their support for him and urged residents to cast their ballots in large numbers to ensure his victory.

Thespians voiced their opinions during a stakeholders interactive session on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital, at the Film Village.

The event was attended by over 500 industry players in the state, including actors, actresses, producers , Directors, Makeup artistes who are based in the State as well as the Senator elect for Delta North, Hon Ned Nwoko, among other stakeholders.

Chief Emeka Rollas (MON ), President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN) who spoke on behalf of the stars stated that “Nollywood was happy with the lofty achievements of the outgoing Government of Delta State led by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa.”

According to him, the Okowa led PDP administration has provided enabling environment that has made Delta State a filmmaking hub in Nigeria, adding that over 5,000 members of the Guild are currently plying their trade in the state.

The AGN Boss stressed that Oborevwori’s governorship will present beautiful vista for the state creative industry, particularly its filmmaking sector for job creation for its teeming youths and enhance contribution to national economy by the state.

“Many filmmakers and actors have relocated to Asaba, and some of them have also built houses and establish their business here also because of the opportunities the state offers.

“However, there is need for continuity and, we are sure that t Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will give full commitment and support to the industry when he emerge governor of the state.

“It is for this reasons and for continuity that Nollywood in Delta is throwing its weight totally behind him and his Deputy at the March 18 gubernatorial polls,”he said.

In his remark, the State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government Chief Patrick Ukah, said the state government has remain steadfast in his support for the industry through the provision enabling environment for the industry to strive in the State.

These he said include “adequate security, building of one of the best Film Village in the country, which include facilities such as studios , amphitheater, among others, and has made Asaba the hub for movie shooting and a location of choice, not only in Nigeria but Africa at large.”

He therefore assured filmmakers that the State Government will partner with Nollywood in the running of the newly built multi million naira Film Village in Asaba.

The Governor assured that a Film City will soon be established in the State where movie practitioners can buy lands and build their houses.

Also speaking at the event, the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in the state, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori pledged his willingness to continue the good works by the outgoing government for the entertainment industry if elected into office.

Oborevwori,who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said “the Entertainment industry cannot be neglected by any serious minded government not only because of the accruing economic benefits but also the joy it brings to millions of Nigerians across political, ethnic, social, religious, gender leanings”

Some of the Nollywood stars present at the event include Steve Eboh, , Ngozi Ezeonu, Jnr Pope,Baba Rex, Ebele Okaro, Livinus Nnochiri, Mac Collins Chidebe (China),Destiny Etiko and Mary Igwe.

Others include Ify Eze, Chioma Emenike as well as major film marketers and distributors such as Remmy Jess, Ossy Affason, Nickson and Wazico,among others

***Insists On Competence, Federal Character, Other Considerations In Selection Of Principal Officials

Legislators alone should elect the 10th Assembly’s leadership, the legislative interest group of the National Assembly has said.

In addition, they thought that the qualifications, popularity, and federal character of the candidate should all be taken into consideration.

Speaking at the end of the event was the General Council Chair of the G-10 Parliamentary Advocacy Group (G-10 PAP), whose general council meeting was held over the weekend in Abuja.

While pointing out that a free legislative branch was in fact the real bastion of democracy and one of the strongest prerequisites for democracy to flourish, it criticized the Executive’s ongoing interference in the legislative branch’s operations.

In a communique signed by the trio of Sunny Anderson Osiebe, National Coordinator, Fred Itua and Nkem Anyata-Lafia, National Secretary and National Publicity Secretary respectively, which was released to pressmen after a high-powered meeting, the group also noted the following:

“That the two Chambers of the National Assembly must be allowed a space that is completely devoid of any interference by the Executive to elect the next President of the Senate, his Deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and his Deputy;

“That the next leaders of the 10th National Assembly must be individuals who understand the complexities of Nigeria and are willing to help in healing the anger and wounds brought about by our fault lines;

“That such next leaders must not be rubber stamps in the hands of anyone. This is, however, not advocating for an antagonist National Assembly, but the fact remains that Nigerians deserve a National Assembly that will stand on the side of the people whenever the need arises;

“That the selection of the next leaders of the National Assembly must reflect the Federal Character principle and the nation’s diversity. Every part of Nigeria must be carried along in the truest demonstration of our national diversity;

“That the next leaders of the National Assembly must be willing to subject requests from the Executive to critical scrutiny, reviews and collective decision. This is to avoid a situation where decisions, like the constant quests for loans, which have since become a daily routine of the present Administration and which have a direct impact on the nation at large, are left for a few lawmakers to decide.”

The group, which also called on lawmakers to take a dispassionate look at the nation’s electoral system and processes for the selection of the leaders by INEC, said it was sad to note that the 2023 General Elections fell far short of expectations and have, actually, initiated an ugly return to the dark days of tension and anxiety, which characterized such polls in our distant past when the reverse ought to have been the case.

The group, however, thanked all Nigerians for the maturity they exhibited before, during and after the Federal elections, while calling on all to ensure that the remaining polls are characterized by such disposition.