We didn’t beg GEJ for money – Segun Arinze defends Nollywood visit to Aso Rock

Segun Arinze (far right) pictured with Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria Reuben Abati (middle) at the State House, Abuja when the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria paid the Goodluck Jonathan a visit, February 2013. Photo: Bella Naija

Segun Arinze has denied the rumours that member of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) went ‘begging for alms’ when they recently visited President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja.

This week, Nollywood filmmaker, Kabat Esosa accused the AGN of not prioritizing ‘their function and functionality and address issues that affect their immediate constituent’, the actors.

‘One question I think begs an answer from them is; what was the reason and value of the Presidential visit? How have their visit added anything to the hue and cry in the country in respect of security, unemployment etc.‘, Esosa wrote in a statement.

But Arinze has replied Esosa explaining that is ‘unfair for anyone to criticise AGN for paying a courtesy visit to President Goodluck Jonathan’.

We are an Association in Nollywood and our visit was to discuss issues as it affects our Guild and the industry in general. Everybody transported themselves to and fro.

‘We didn’t go begging for alms. Pls do read Madam President Ibinabo Fiberisma’s speech which has been sent by mail to you. Kabat’s statement was totally uncalled for. We are very apolitical. We have a right to visit GEJ after all he’s the president of the federal Republic of Nigeria‘, Segun Arinze explained.

Arinze also had a direct question for Esosa, ‘Chyke Bryan who is the president of screen writers guild is down with kidney problem. What have the members of that guild of whom Kabat is also a member done to raise money for his treatment?  They should stop poking their noses in other people’s business‘.

Last weekend, a handful of Nollywood actors, producers and directors paid Goodluck Jonathan a visit at the State House, Abuja where he was made a Grand Patron of  the guild.

Some of those who made the visit include Ibinabo Fiberesima, Ini Edo, Funke Akindele, Monalisa Chinda, Susan Peters, Stephanie Linus, Mercy Aigbe, The Aneke Twins, Desmond Elliot, Yul Edochie, Chidi Mokeme Joseph Benjamin, Yemi Blaq Segun Arinze, Fred Amata, Zeb Ejiro, Victor Osuagwu, Ola of Big Brother Stargame, and Charles Inojie.