Disruption at AGN Meeting Sparks Tension Among Members, Police Intervene
A planned meeting of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Umuahia turned chaotic on Thursday, as a group of aggrieved members stormed the venue, protesting against the leadership of National President Emeka Rollas. The protestors disrupted the gathering, demanding the recognition of David Onyebuchi Amalaha, who was elected as the chairman of the Abia State chapter of the guild in May 2023.
The situation quickly escalated, with the aggrieved members claiming that they were protesting an “illegal gathering” and the imposition of interim chairmen by the national body. The protestors expressed their frustration with what they described as the “illegal” actions by the national leadership, including the installation of five interim state chairmen since 2023. Among the key speakers were Chika Okezie, Egwuatu Daniel, and Nathaniel Nwoko, who pointed fingers at Emeka Rollas for allegedly creating division within the guild.
As tensions rose, the Zone 9 Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Umuahia, was called in to prevent the situation from becoming violent. SP Iheanetu Bruno Chukwudera, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that while no arrests were made, the police invited both the National President and the leaders of the protest to provide statements on the incident.
The presence of the police diffused the situation, ensuring that a potentially violent confrontation was averted. The Assistant Inspector General of Police also facilitated the exchange of statements between the two factions involved in the dispute.
A Growing Divide Within AGN
The disruption at the AGN meeting is indicative of a deeper crisis within the guild. It’s clear that the guild’s leadership is divided, with two factions holding starkly different views on the legitimacy of leadership appointments and the management of the organization.
The imposition of interim chairmen, as alleged by the protestors, raises questions about transparency and accountability in the guild’s decision-making process. If members feel that their voices are being sidelined and that leadership appointments are being forced upon them without proper consultation, it’s no surprise that tensions are high. This is not a situation unique to the AGN, as many professional associations experience similar struggles with internal power dynamics. However, when those conflicts spill into the public domain and turn violent, it casts a shadow over the organization’s ability to function effectively.
Opinion: A Call for Unity and Transparency
This incident serves as a wake-up call for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to prioritize unity and transparency in its leadership processes. While it’s natural for any large organization to face challenges related to leadership disputes, it’s crucial that the guild address these issues internally before they spiral out of control. The fact that such a protest even occurred shows a lack of communication and trust between the national leadership and its regional branches.
David Onyebuchi Amalaha’s election as Abia State chairman is at the center of the dispute, and it’s crucial for the national body to either recognize his position or engage in transparent discussions to resolve the matter amicably. Similarly, the imposition of interim chairmen since 2023 needs to be reevaluated, as it has evidently caused deep discontent among some members.
The guild’s role is to protect and advocate for the rights of actors in Nigeria, not to divide them. To continue fulfilling that mission, the AGN leadership must find common ground, involve all relevant stakeholders in decision-making, and restore trust in the organization. It’s time for AGN to put its house in order and prioritize the well-being of its members, not just the power struggles within the guild.
At this juncture, it’s clear that leadership accountability and respect for democratic processes should be the focal point if the AGN is to regain the confidence of its members and avoid further unrest.
