The Ibadan Film Circle (IFC) has rejected the appointment of Elisha Abbo, senator representing Adamawa North, as one of the patrons of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Ropo Ewenla, administrator of the circle, on Tuesday.
The statement states that the organisation is against the appointment of Abbo who is “a proven perpetrator of gender-based violence.”
The statement also described the efforts by the chairman of the Adamawa State chapter of the AGN Jimi Lot, to justify the appointment of Abbo as disappointing.
Finally, the organisation called on all stake holders in the Nigerian film, theatre; and media industries to collectively condemn Abbo’s appointment.
Nollywood actresses, Kate Henshaw and Hilda Dokunbo had condemned the AGN’s decision to name the senator as its patron. This was because in a viral video that emerged on the internet; the lawmaker violently assaulted a nursing mother in a sex toy shop in Abuja last year.
Citing the incident, Dokubo said his appointment as patron would not only smear the image of others on the list but the AGN as a whole.
Consequently, some northern actors threatened to leave the guild if it removes Abbo as a patron of the group.
Jimi Lot said the lawmaker earned the appointment for his tremendous work; supporting actors and youths in the north-east.
But reacting to Dokubo’s criticism while speaking with Plus TV Africa; Rollas, AGN President defended the guild’s decision while saying such comments were mere attempts to sentimentalize the issue.
The guild then announced on Thursday that it would be holding a general meeting on March 23 to address the matter.