The Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Imo State, Chief Dr. Nneoma Ukpabi has called on all parties to join hands in ending the insecurity that has besieged the state.
Being the leader of the largest entertainment groupo in Imo State, Lady Nneoma Ukpabi said that the reoccurring attacks and killings in the state have crippled businesses, while entertainment is not left out.
Speaking to OtownGist in Owerri, Imo State, the Nollywood actress said that with the city shutting down at about 7:00 PM every day, the nightlife Owerri is known for has been turned off.
“An average Imolite is afraid of moving around once it is 5:00 PM. We have canceled our general meeting because people will eventually go home late. The worst part of it is that most of our members missed the burial ceremony of Bronu Iwuoha a veteran Nollywood actor”
“We film in the night; we move in the night and that is no longer possible, not because there is a guarantee that something will happen, but because everyone is scared and will do everything possible to stay alive”
“We have seen people get hurt at night and no one wants to take chances anymore, because there is no Nollywood in the land of the dead”, she said.
She called on the government and security agencies to do their best to protect the populace of the state as provided by the constitution adding that while the activities of the unknown gunmen are condemnable, security agents need to be professional about their activities as well.
“We can find a way to have Imo State back on track. It is very important for all of us. We need peace in the state and I understand it is something everyone will have to collectively work for”
“Peace should be the next anthem in the state and we at the Actors Guild of Nigeria are willing to do our part in promoting it”
“I want to commend people from all quarters (government and others) who have committed resources to achieve peace in the state, I am optimistic that if we do more in saying things the way they are and not spreading false information that will create panic, we will be many steps ahead in achieving peace in the state”, she added.
She further stated that no one needs the identity card of any political party to enjoy peace, calling on the people of the state to eschew all political inclinations and come together to fight anyone who is trying to destroy Imo State.
“Imo is the only home we have and the only way to fight is if we all come together and stand for what we are known for which is peace, hospitality, love, and harmony”, she said.
