How Police Prevented Violence at Actors Guild (AGN) Meeting in Abia State | READ DETAILS

A meeting of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), convened by National President Emeka Rollas in Umuahia, Abia State, erupted into chaos on Thursday, January 4, 2025, as aggrieved members disrupted the event in protest over alleged leadership impositions.

The protest, led by members loyal to David Onyebuchi Amalaha-elected as chairman of the Abia State chapter on May 20, 2023-highlighted ongoing factional disputes within the guild. The aggrieved members accused the national leadership of sidelining Amalaha and imposing five interim chairmen on the state chapter since 2023, causing division among members.

Prominent voices among the protesters, including Chika Okezie, Egwuatu Daniel, and Nathaniel Nwoko, criticized Emeka Rollas for allegedly instigating crises in the guild. They demanded recognition of Amalaha as the legitimate chairman.

The situation escalated to the point where the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 9 Command in Umuahia, was required. The timely action of the police prevented the gathering from turning violent.

Zone 9 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Iheanetu Bruno Chukwudera, confirmed the incident, stating:

"There was chaos caused by some aggrieved members. Nobody was arrested, but key actors were invited by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9, to provide statements about the incident."

The AGN has faced a series of litigations in Abia State, with Amalaha seeking to challenge what he describes as the national body's illegal interference in state-level leadership.

This incident underscores the persistent leadership struggles within the Actors Guild of Nigeria, particularly in Abia State. Despite the disruption, police efforts ensured that the event ended without any physical violence.