By Prisca Sam-Duru
The riveting tale of Angella Ochello, the Deputy Governor of imaginary Savanah State is most timely as Nigeria and indeed most African countries grope in darkness while searching for political salvation. The political elite have so much destroyed the sector that many believe nothing good can ever come out from there, hence, people with conscience keep away from politics even when their ideas and efforts could impact greatly on the country.
The high octane political drama, ‘The Governor’, which premiered in July on EbonyLife TV, has been receiving an amazing and phenomenal response and excitement on social media.
Encomiums have also continued to pour on the show and its cast led by British-Nigerian actress, Caroline Chikezie who plays ‘Angela Ochello’. Thousands of impressions were created on Twitter triggering a wider conversation around politics as well as women’s participation in general.
Coming from the stable of EbonyLife TV and EbonyLife Films, an entertainment company dedicated to telling the full range of African stories as never before which also prides itself as Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment and Lifestyle Network for premium homegrown entertainment content, The Governor richly encapsulates the drama, intrigues and betrayals notable among the political elite.
As women in the likes of Hilary Clinton who officially became the first US female presidential nominee, Theresa May became Great Britain’s second female Prime Minister join their counterparts who are already occupying important positions in various countries’ political landscape, the role Angelo Ochello plays as the first female Governor of Savannah State is an eloquent indication that women can truly change the world if allowed. It makes the role of women in politics, an important one.
Written by Yinka Ogun, Debo Oluwatuminu and Tunde Babalola and directed by Ema Edosio, The Governor starrs big shots in Nollywood; Kunle Coker as Senator Briggs, Jude Chukwuka as Chief Sobifa Thompson, British-Nigerian Caroline Chikezie (Angela Ochello), Bimbo Manuel (David Ochello)etc.
The Governor narrates the story about how Angela Ochello, with no governorship ambition, finds herself suddenly entangled in a web of political intrigue after the untimely death of the incumbent Governor. As Angela struggles to remain afloat, her trusted Chief of Staff helps with strategies to maneuver through the rough and shark-infested waters of politics while still committed to meeting the demands of her matrimonial home.
Kunle Coker described the production as “First of its kind in this part of the world. The production is amazing and in as much as the project deals with a serious subject such as politics, it is spiced up with fun such that viewers wouldn’t want to take their eyes off it. There’s a lot of suspence in the production and requires that one doesn’t miss an episode. Ive always been on unique productions and The Governor is unique on its own. The production quality is good, the crew did fantastic job, the location which is Calabar was fantastic as well and a beautiful place to work.
I enjoyed playing my role as Senator Briggs. My character is the type that didn’t see women in any good light and dosen’t believe that women should be anything at all.It was a bit difficult for me because I’m not that kind of man. “
, I mean, why should a man be talking and the woman is also talking. I believe in equality and whatever necessary to make the world a better place. That character was very challenging. “
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