We didn't beg Jonathan for money- Segun Arinze defends actors

Nollywood's 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.

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. 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.

During the week, selected Nollywood actors, producers and directors under the aegis of the Actors' Guild of Nigeria 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.

SaveOJB: D’Banj, 2face, Ini Edo yet to make donation

Confidants of Babatunde Okungbowa, popularly known as OJB has debunked rumours that Koko master, D’Banj has made a donation of N7M for the kidney transplant of  the ailing music producer. They also said African queen crooner, 2face and scandals-prone actress cum singer, Ini Edo are yet to contribute as well. OJB produced the world acclaimed African queen song that launched 2face Idibia to the global audience.

One of the friends of OJB who does not want to be named lambasted the artistes for earning cheap publicity from the producer ill health. He said, “ it is a shame that these peoples that OJB helped to be great in life chose to earn cheap publicity from his misfortune. Can you imagine that they never contributed nor pay a visit to him, rather their publicists are on the social media tweeting ‘D’Banj made N7m donation, Ini Edo gave N2M and 2face has promised to write off the bill etc. heaven will judge them”.

Another friend of OJB added, “I am not disappointed in them; we know who they are and that they love the limelight but I will say it is unfortunate. I am here with OJB and I can say all these fake donations are more threatening to him than the kidney problem. My fear is that genuine peoples are turned away by all these lies but with God on our side, OJB will live”.

A bittered friend of the ailing producer also send the following broadcast from his blackberry, “the Lagos state government has suspended any form of assistance to OJB Jezreel due to verification issues stemming from all the hype about how much was raised on his behalf. In their (government) view, he does not need the help of the state…. See what you helped to destroy…kill”. The friend thus listed the false donation against some of the artiste names with a bold caption ‘NOT TRUE’ against them. They included 2face (N1.5M), D’Banj (N7M), Wizkid (N3M) and Olamide (N1M)”.

The aggrieved entertainer thus added, “your ‘FACT-LESS HYPE” of those who have contributed nothing so far in this matter is preventing others willing to help from doing so. If your name is used falsely as an artiste/entertainer, it is the duty of your management to stand up and clear the wrong impression… your silence only means you are trying to reap where you have not sown…clear your name now”.

OJB who is battling with Kidney problem needs N16M  for the transplant.

Contributions can still be made via BABATUNDE OKUNGBOWA UBA ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1015075120 OR OKUNGBOWA BABATUNDE ZENITH BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1004186282, SORT CODE: 057150628, BRANCH: MARINA 2.