KOK’s visit to Aso Rock stirs up Nollywood

A recent courtesy visit by a group of actors and actresses led by Kanayo O Kanayo to Aso Rock, Abuja, is the subject of much speculation among key players in Nollywood. Although the group, known as the G-20, was said to have visited Aso Rock to condole with President Goodluck Jonathan over the death of his younger brother, many tongues have started wagging over the real purpose of the visit.

Apparently, some key players in Nollywood are worried that the visit was not authorised by the newly-elected president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberisima, and her cabinet. Others argue that the visit suggests that while many hands appear to be on deck to steer the troubled movie industry toward a better future, some elements are bent on pursuing a different agenda that may not be in their collective interest.

In her reaction to the visit, Ibinabo said, “I say unequivocally that anyone has the right to visit or commiserate with the President. But when it is conducted under the aegis of Nollywood, then eyebrows will be raised and questions will be asked. The days of self-centredness are over.”

She said that ever since the visit, Nollywood had been awash with unbridled comments. “Some people are asking what the G20 stands for. What are its objectives? What is its relevance in Nollywood? Is it about making money for itself in the Presidency? Is it about lobbying for appointment? What is the motive of G20?
“If they claim to have represented Nollywood at the Presidential Villa, on whose authority did they do that? We have elected representatives in all guilds and associations in Nollywood. And I am certain none of them authorised the visit. I am looking forward to seeing G20 hire a bus and visit the families of Pete Eneh and Enebeli Elebuwa or even attend their funerals,” Ibinabo told LIFE&BEAT on Wednesday.

However, a member of the G-20 has defended their action by saying there was nothing illegal or wrong in their visit to Aso Rock. “When has it become a crime for some professionals within a group to pay condolence visits? I see nothing bad or sinful in it because it was an open visit,” he said.
Punch Nigeria