The Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, has pronounced Emeka Ike as its interim president, pending its elections.
The National Treasurer of the AGN, St. Maradona J. Mikevine, made this pronouncement on Monday during a chat with newsmen in Lagos, stating that the association adopted Ike to temporarily serve for 2 years and thereafter, conduct a ‘unified election.’
The treasurer stated in order to set the records straight, he was pressured by self-uprightness to make the proclamation.
It would be recalled that on March 23, the National Secretary of AGN, Femi Durojaiye, in a statement had stated the former President, Ibinabo Fiberesima would step down as the president and Emeka Ike, who has been battling over the position would take over as the president.
However, Mikevine, who was the first petitioner in the court case that eventually sacked the Ibinabo-led administration, told journalists to put all behind and help forge a common and progressive front for a better future.
He solicited the cooperation of Nollywood, the actors’ fraternity, the Nigerian public and the media saying,
“It has become germane, expedient and imperative for me to call this Press Conference to clear the air and set the record straight in respect of the above subject matter and the leadership crisis rocking Actors Guild of Nigeria.
“Since the judgement on March 16, 2015 that sacked Ibinabo Fiberesima as president of AGN and also dissolved members of the BOT and the subsequent dismissal of the appeal cum Stay-of-execution by the DEFENDANTS (Ibinabo and the former BOT) on March 23, 2016, I have been inundated with calls from well-meaning Nigerians, Nollywood stakeholders, politicians, Media Editors, security agencies to clarify issues and point the way forward as to who I have endorsed to lead ACTORS GUILD OF NIGERIA since the judgement directly mentions my name as the PLAINTIFF.
“Because of the Ibinabo-led faction, the dissolved BOT members and some stakeholders in Nollywood are still finding it difficult to obey the judgement of a competent court of Jurisdiction and accept the current reality that “POWER HAS CHANGED HANDS” in AGN.
“To this end, our victory at the court should NOT be interpreted or perceived as a victory for me (ST. MARADONA J. MIKEVINE) BUT a victory for us “EMEKA IKE AND HIS EXECUTIVES”.
“Therefore, in trying to point the way forward I propose that since the parties involved in the leadership crisis; Segun Arinze and Ibinabo Fiberesima have both ruled AGN for two (2 years) each, it will only be proper in the interest of peace, justice, fairness and good conscience for Emeka Ike, his state and national executives to be allowed to assume the leadership of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for Two (2 years) LEGITIMATELY in compliance with the court judgement after which a unified election can now be conducted.
“This is the best way forward after years of injustice and unfairness perpetrated against EMEKA IKE and his EXECUTIVES.
“The Court has given its verdict; the industry should please allow us enjoy the fruit of our victory at the court,” the National secretary stated.
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