Popular Nigerian actress and politician, Nkiru Sylvanus, has addressed lingering controversies surrounding her political appointment during the administration of former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha. In an interview with The Punch, Sylvanus opened up about her experiences, the challenges she faced, and how she handled false narratives concerning her role in politics.
During the interview, Sylvanus was asked about widespread rumors suggesting that her appointment as Special Assistant to Governor Okorocha was the result of an alleged romantic relationship. Responding to this, Sylvanus stated that while the rumor did not initially bother her, it became frustrating when her attempts to clarify the falsehood were disregarded.
“When the rumor started spreading, it didn’t bother me much because I knew it wasn’t true,” she said. “But what frustrated me was that when I tried to correct the false story, people still chose to believe the lie instead of the truth.”
Sylvanus recounted her dedication and hard work during Rochas Okorocha’s campaign, noting that she actively participated in various activities to ensure their success.
“I put in a lot of effort during Rochas Okorocha’s campaign, traveling from one community to another, speaking on stage, fasting, and praying,” she said. “In the end, our hard work paid off, and I was given an opportunity to serve and make a positive impact in society.”
She expressed her pain over how her efforts were downplayed and attributed to an unfounded affair.
“It was very painful to hear people say that my achievements were because of an alleged affair. It felt unfair because it made my hard work seem unimportant,” she added.
Sylvanus also recounted a moment when she confronted the false narrative.
“I remember telling a journalist at the time: ‘If I were just his girlfriend, why would I be running around, working under the sun, sweating, and trying to make an impact?’ I had a recognisable face and could’ve easily made money elsewhere.”
She further emphasized her commitment to personal growth and her desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Instead, I chose to work and grow my experience. The assumption that every successful woman owes her achievements to a man is deeply frustrating and unfair.”
Sylvanus’ candid revelations highlight the challenges women face in politics and public service, particularly the tendency to dismiss their accomplishments through baseless assumptions. Her story underscores the importance of acknowledging merit and dedication, while challenging stereotypes that seek to undermine women’s success.
