The guild disclosed this in a communique issued after a crucial meeting of its national executive committee.
The AGN said it was necessary to make the declaration, because of the activities of some members who have been going around endorsing presidential candidates in the name of the guild. Although the AGN said actors are at liberty to endorse or promote any presidential candidate of their choice, but the leadership of the guild insists that such members cannot do so under the guise of representing the collective interest of the association.
The statement issued by the guild and signed by the Director of Communication Monalisa Chinda reads: “The AGN is a non-political and non-profit-making association. It is the right of individual members to campaign for, support, promote, and even endorse any aspirant of their choice. Such an individual does not represent the interest of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and must not speak in a manner of representing or on behalf of the Guild. Any member who violates the order will be sanctioned accordingly. Any political party that discusses campaign promotion, rallies, and other political issues with an individual actor on behalf of the AGN does so at their own risk.”
President of the AGN, Emeka Rollas, urged members to take into cognizance the manifesto of political aspirants for the creative industry, especially on how to develop Nollywood before giving their support.
He similarly called on all presidential aspirants to present blueprints on how to develop the creative industry in general.
