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Veteran Nollywood actress and healthcare professional Regina Askia has stirred conversation online after criticizing what she described as the growing culture of treating public office as a family inheritance in Nigeria.
The former actress, who now works as a nurse practitioner in the United States, expressed concern over a trend she believes is becoming increasingly common in the country’s political landscape. According to her, some politicians appear to view elected positions as personal property that can be transferred to their children and relatives rather than offices entrusted to them by the people.
Askia made her position known in a post shared on her Instagram page, where she reflected on the principles of democracy and questioned why some public officials seem eager to establish political dynasties.
“I thought Nigeria was a democratic nation. Too many public officials seem to think that public office is a ‘chieftaincy title’ to pass to their kids. Na real wa,” she wrote.
Her remarks have since generated reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating the role of family influence in politics and whether political positions should remain open to broader participation rather than being concentrated within a few powerful families.
The actress’ comments come at a time when discussions about governance, political accountability and leadership succession continue to dominate public discourse in Nigeria. Critics of political dynasties often argue that democracy thrives when citizens are given equal opportunities to seek leadership positions, while supporters maintain that relatives of politicians also have constitutional rights to contest elections if they meet legal requirements.
For Askia, however, the concern appears to be the growing perception that certain political offices are being treated like traditional titles that can be handed down from one generation to another. Her statement suggests that such practices may undermine the spirit of democratic competition and public service.
Over the years, several public figures, entertainers and social commentators have increasingly used their platforms to speak on issues affecting governance and national development. Askia has remained among the celebrities who occasionally lend their voices to social and political conversations, often encouraging Nigerians to reflect on issues that shape the country’s future.
Before relocating abroad, Regina Askia was one of the most recognizable faces on Nigerian television and in Nollywood. She rose to prominence in the early 1990s after portraying Tokunbo Johnson in the popular NTA television series Fortunes. The role helped establish her as a household name and opened the door to a successful acting career.
She went on to feature in numerous films and television productions, earning admiration from audiences for her talent and screen presence. Her success in the entertainment industry made her one of the leading actresses of her generation.
Despite her flourishing acting career, Askia later moved to the United States, where she pursued a completely different path in healthcare. She eventually qualified as a family nurse practitioner and has built a respected career in the medical field while maintaining a connection with her Nigerian audience.
Although she no longer appears regularly in movies, the actress remains active on social media, where she shares opinions on social issues, public policy and matters affecting Nigerians both at home and abroad.
Her latest remarks have once again placed her at the center of public conversation, highlighting ongoing concerns about governance and democratic values in Nigeria. As reactions continue to pour in, her comments have added another voice to the broader debate about political succession, accountability and the future of leadership in the country.
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