3rd September, 2012
Following the crisis that marred the national election of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Benin, Edo State, earlier this year, the guild’s electoral committee is planning to fix another date for the election, which is expected to take another pattern.
Though no new date has been fixed for the much-anticipated election, Nollywood Reel gathered from a reliable source in the guild that the election will not be held in one venue, as delegates will cast their votes from their respective states and send the results to Lagos for final collation.
This development, Nollywood Reel gathered, is aimed at preventing thugs from disrupting the election.
The crisis that marred the earlier scheduled election also prompted the national president of the guild, Segun Arinze, to resign his appointment.
The presidential seat is being contested by Ibinabo Fiberisima, Emeka Rollas and Steve Eboh.
Meanwhile, versatile actor, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, has confirmed his intention to contest for the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s national secretary post in order to make a difference and create a platform where members can have unlimited access to information about the motion picture industry.
Abking, as Abubakar is fondly called, stressed that having served in different capacities in the industry for more than two decades, he is more informed about the challenges facing the guild and how best to address them.
Speaking about his vision for the AGN if elected into office, Abking noted that in line with the constitution of the guild, he will work hard for a functional secretariat that would meet the challenges of AGN, improved information flow and connectivity with all the state chapters of the guild.
“The secretariat will work to promote unity among members and create platform for the protection of the welfare and interest of the members. I will also organise regular training programmes for members across the country and as well ensure we provide a code of conduct for all members.
“I will help to improve administrative structures for all the state chapters and encourage better and conducive working conditions for members.
“I will also ensure we globalise the guild by affiliating with relevant organisations and donor agencies to help improve welfare packages for members in accordance with international best practice,” Abking explained.
NollywoodReel gathered that the actor who has spent over 25 years in film/television and stage acting is a graduate of Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has featured prominently on stage, soap operas, drama series and successful Nollywood movies.
Prior to this time, the award-winning thespian, NollywoodReel gathered, was the national vice president, Nigerian Actors Guild (1994 – 1995), national treasurer, Actors Guild of Nigeria (2000 – 2001), foundation member/P.R.O, ITPAN (1992 – 1994), national secretary, INTARPPAN (2001 – 2009) and Public Relations Officer, Actors Guild of Nigeria (2009 – 2011).