Relying on the advice of a Federal High Court in Lagos, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has set up an 11-man caretaker committee to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis, with a view to building a solid structure to resuscitate the guild.

The committee was constituted through nominations from chairmen of state chapters and representatives of the congress.

The caretaker committee – which was sequel to recent stakeholders’ meeting at Awka, Anambra State – was given three months to manage the affairs of the guild, retrieve all relevant documents, properties and or/ materials belonging to the guild. It was also charged to provide a healthy platform for reconciliation of aggrieved members, ensure peace, as well as conduct a credible election into national offices.

According to a statement signed by the chairman of chairmen of the state chapters, Mr Agility Onwurah, Bob-Manuel Udokwu and Zenith Abubakar at the end of plenary, the committee condemned all forms of crisis, animosity and unwholesome attitude towards the growth of the association.

Stressing that the guild is the only umbrella shielding the association, they called on the aggrieved members “to sheet their swords and work towards the national unity of our great guild.”

They called on the parties involved to recognise and respect each other’s right in the pursuit of a better and stronger association as it relates the election of their executives without fear or favour.

Members of the caretaker committee include Steve Eboh (chairman), Hakeem Rhaman (vice-chairman), Renell Badejo (secretary), Bob-Manuel Udokwu (adviser), Ochendo Mc-Smith (PRO). Others are Rita Tony-Edochie, Ernest Obi, Vitalis Ndubisi, Zenith Abubarka, Rita Daniels and Edith Irabor.

In his acceptance speech, chairman of the caretaker committee, on behalf of his members, promised to do their best to restore the past glories of the guild. He appealed to friends of the guild to come together and work out a way forward. “It is, therefore, my opinion that all hands must be on deck in this period of trial in the life of the guild. Let me appeal that each time the CTC calls on any of you, please, do oblige us. We promise to bring the guild to an enviable height and also promise to conduct a credible national election, by the special grace of God.”

Actors Guild of Nigeria has been bedeviled by internal wrangling since last year. In March, 2015, one Mr Maradonna M Johnson got a ruling from a Federal High Court in Lagos, which dissolved the AGN executive and rendered the last election null and void.

•Photo shows a cross section of representatives at the meeting.

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