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Odds are that you
probably missed it. With all the noise being made about the president’s
faulty plane, the rise of the falconets and the welcomed restoration of
DSTV’s football rights, it’s easy to understand why the story would be
ignored. And yet it was there. Sandwiched between the larger tales of
significant occurrences was this tiny news insert. Half way across the
world, the presidential aspiration of a person was about to be
announced and his name was Wyclef Jean. Yes, “The” Wyclef Jean The idea
of a musician running for president does tend to give reason for a
silent chuckle. Of all the possible professions on which an aspiration
for a nation’s presidency can be mounted, music seems to be the least
likely of candidates. It takes a lot to run a nation. People would no
more expect a musician as a likely presidential candidate than they
would the pastor of a church. And yet, as insane as the proposition
might seem there is certain merit behind the possibility.

Wyclef’s loyalty
to his country is not disputed. He has already served as an ambassador
for his nation and donates thousands of dollars by way of scholarships
and foundation grants to people who require these. Even though, Wyclef
Jean is undoubtedly a multimillionaire superstar, he has rarely failed
to identify with his nation. He has instead constantly sought to find
the different ways through which he can contribute to its development —
something that very few of our media stars can boast of.

I am not much of a
fan of Nollywood. The only time I pause to watch a movie from its
stables is when I decide that I am sorely in need of a good dose of
depression. As this urge rarely surfaces, my periods in front of a
Nollywood movie are blessedly rare and short. However, despite my
unpatriotic dislike for the products of our national cinema, even I
cannot fail to acknowledge the influence that Nigerian media stars have
had on our country.

I find it hard to
single out a singular musician or movie star who would make a possible
candidate for a political position. D’banj never did let us in on what
the “koko” meant, but I somehow doubt that his revelation would involve
a concrete plan for improving the nation. MI would find it difficult
meeting the heights of the political system and Tuface would probably
get shot again by unknown gunmen after his first five hours in office.
The efforts of individuals, such as the musical legend who also goes by
the name of Pastor Chris, have only managed to further enhance the
growing inefficiencies of media icons in today’s politics. When Fela
died many years ago, it is likely he took with him the status of the
last Nigerian media icon who sought to improve the country’s image
through his celebrity status.

Amongst the young
members of the Nigerian media circle, it’s almost impossible to find an
individual who has offered as much contribution to the country as
Wyclef has for his nation. If I was to pick a cabinet, I would probably
pick Lagbaja as possible president because I want to believe that
beneath that impenetrable mask is a billionaire with a Harvard business
degree. It is undoubtedly a far stretch but that is where we currently
are. For good measure, Julius Agwu would probably be a fitting choice
for the minister of power and steel. If Nigeria is going to continue to
make a mockery of those establishments as she has for the last three
decades, then she might as well secure the assistance of a comedian.
They’re better at making jokes and have the uncanny ability to draw out
attention to the lighter side of darker topics.

In the weeks to
come, a lot more attention will be paid to Wyclef Jean’s bid for the
position of president. Many are already leaning towards this
possibility. He is well loved by the people of his country and he
certainly has the ear of world organisations. With the right cabinet
supporting him, he just might be able to lead the damaged nation into
newer lights. He might, however, need to make a few changes or two in
order to improve his chances.