Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has spoken out against what she describes as the alarming deterioration of Nigeria’s political landscape. In a passionate statement, the actress lamented that the standards once associated with public service have all but collapsed.
Edochie expressed dismay at how political office has been reduced to an open stage where anyone, regardless of competence, character, or vision, can throw their hat in the ring.
“Politics has been badly degraded; anything and everything can now come out to contest, even with nothing to offer. You no get integrity and captivity, so hide your face biko,” she said bluntly.
The actress recalled a time when Nigerian politics demanded more from its contestants, noting that even candidates for local government positions were once subjected to rigorous evaluation before being deemed fit to serve.
“When Nigeria was Nigeria, every contestant had to have a concrete evaluation and must be equal to the task before coming out to contest for any small political office. But today, almost anyone can run for office, regardless of competence, vision, or what they have to offer the people,” she stated.
Edochie questioned how politics had become, as she called it, a dumping ground for individuals driven more by self-promotion than by genuine service to the people.
Despite her frustrations, the actress struck a note of cautious optimism, urging Nigerians to remain thankful even in difficult times, while also calling for the freedom of those still held in captivity.