The governor of Imo State,
Owelle Rochas Okorocha was heavily criticized for appointing too many political aides.One such was the appointment of Uche Ogbuagu as Chief Comedian of Imo state. This is an unprecedented position in the history of politics all over the world.
Here,Uche Ogbuagu the chief comedian answered questions posed to him by Joi John of Imo State political blog.
Q: Your appointment as Special Assistant in the State came under scruitiny
with the Portfolio as Chief Comedian in the State. Could you enlighten us on
your Office as Chief Comedian of the State?
A:As you know, the Entertainment
industry cannot do without Comedy so, I see myself as the only
representative of the Entertainers in the State Executive council.
The office of the Chief Comedian is a representation of the Entertainment
industry in the State Executive Council.In this position, I am saddled with
the responsibility of ensuring that the Entertainment Industry in Imo state
is revived. That particular area has been dead for quite a long time. We are
doing our best to to bring in Private investors from within and outside the
Country to see ways we could take Entertainment in the State to the next
level.
Q:What are some of the notable highlights of your First week in office?
A:I started off with a tour of the State Capital to ascertain the true situation
of things. I visited a number of Entertainment places owned by the State
Government. Recently, I inspected the AMA J . K recreation Park and was
saddened by the condition of the place. It is almost in shambles.
I started out with AMA J K recreation Park because it is at the center of the State Capital and has potentials to generate income for the State.
Q: Could you give an insight to some of the Projects you envision to achieve
in reviving the Entertainment Sector?
A:To start, we are going to build Comedy Corners around the State capital. I have also had talks with some Private investors towards the project for an Amusement park.I am also
proposing a name Change. This is a Rescue Mission and when you want to be
rescued, you must be ready to be renamed. In fulfilling the plans I have for
the Entertainment sector, I wouldnt want to depend on funds from the State
Government. That has been my promise from day one.
Apart from AMA J.K recreation park , I observed that there was also another piece of land that the former Government intended to build a Park on . We will take over from
where they left off and build a Park specifically for the Kids because that
has been a gap in the Entertainment industry in the State. The kids do not
have a play spot. You find that on Weekends, parents would take their
Children to neighbouring States when we can create the same structures here.
It is time for us to give the Children a sense of belonging. I want to go on
record to state that the IMO AMUSEMENT PARK is going to be the center of
attraction for all Children in the State and beyond and, that would be one
of the legacies I would be remembered for.His Excellency has asked for me to
draft a proposal and submit to him for his Perusal. That, I will do in less
than 48 hours from now.
Q:What do you make of this opportunity to serve the State?
A:I am seeing this particular portfolio as the only opportunity I have in
life to prove myself. Should there be any other opportunity, I wouldnt mind.
I am not looking for anything higher than this but if it comes my way, Glory
be to God.With the confidence and trust reposed in me by the State
Government, I dont have any reason to fail.
I want to assure all the
citizens home and abroad that , the Lost Glory of Imo State is about to be
retrieved.I can confidently state that the office of the Chief Comedian of
the State and Special Assistant to the Governor is one that will be most
successful. At the breifing we had on Sunday with the Chief of Staff, I
reassured His Excellency who was also present that, in 90 days he will be
marvelled at the progress in the State as far as Entertainment is concerned.
Q: On a personal note, I read you were born a Stammerer but it is almost
impossible to believe that. Our interview has gone so smoothly and I havent
heard you stammer through any question. How were you able to overcome that?
A: (Laughter) Well, I stammer only when I am tensed up and under pressure.
Mostly when I am broke. When I no get money. That is where nature surprises
me a whole lot. I stammer ordinarily but once I am on air . . . on the
Microphone or I am performing, everything dies off so I believe I am a
Microphone person and that is the reason why my stammering will always
respect my business and my calling.
Q: What are your final words to the Critics?
A: Most people in different
quarters look for ways to pull me down. They say Uche Ogbuagu is not
learned; he cannot speak good English and so forth. . . but, that it is
typical. Normally, nothing good comes easy. One cannot know the strength of
the other unless he has been put to Test. As a result oriented person, the
important thing for me is results and I believe confidently that I am going
to succeed. I will prove every naysayer that has been against my
appointment, wrong and whosoever has spoken bad about me will turn around to
speak good of me.
SOURCE: IMO STATE BLOG.com
