The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to conducting its forthcoming National Election, despite attempts by a former official to derail the democratic process by invoking a long-resolved legal matter.
In an official statement signed by Amb. Cornell Udofia, Chief Press Secretary to the AGN National President, the Guild confirmed that while the date of the election remains tentative pending some clarifications, it will be communicated transparently to all members and stakeholders in due course.
Legal Dispute Resurfaces
The Guild’s clarification follows renewed interference from Mr. St. Maradona M. Johnson, a previously suspended member, who has attempted to challenge the Guild’s electoral process based on a 2013 Federal High Court judgment. However, the AGN maintains that the judgment in question has since been addressed and rendered obsolete through a series of internal resolutions and reconciliation efforts.
According to the Guild, the 2013 judgment pertained to the administration of former AGN President Ibinabo Fiberesima and the Board of Trustees at the time. Importantly, the court did not grant any leadership position or executive authority to Mr. Johnson.
Peace Accord and Compliance
The AGN recalled a pivotal moment in its history—the 2017 Peace and Reconciliation Meeting held in Enugu, which brought together factions within the Guild to fully implement the court’s directives and restore harmony. Key resolutions from that meeting included:
- The dissolution of the affected BOT as directed by the court
- The constitution of a new BOT
- The formation of a Government of National Unity
- The appointment of Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, as Interim National President
- The appointment of Mr. Maradona as Treasurer, as part of the peace deal
Following these reconciliatory steps, Mr. Johnson withdrew all legal cases against the Guild and served two consecutive terms as Treasurer, first under the interim government and then under the elected administration of 2019. According to the Guild, he voluntarily stepped aside afterward and did not seek reelection.
“These facts clearly confirm that the Guild has fully complied with the 2013 judgment, and that its relevance has been overtaken by time, goodwill, and institutional growth,” the statement emphasized.
Defending the Rule of Law and Democracy
While affirming its respect for the rule of law, the AGN leadership rejected any attempts to distort resolved legal matters in a way that undermines the Guild’s democratic progress.
“The Guild views Mr. Maradona’s recent actions as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the organization by weaponizing legal ambiguities for personal gain,” the statement read. “Such maneuvers are not only unhelpful but run counter to the spirit of peace, progress, and professionalism that AGN now embodies.”
Way Forward
Under the leadership of its National President, the AGN assured members and the public that it remains focused on conducting a fair, peaceful, and constitutionally grounded election. The Guild has mandated its legal team to handle all arising issues appropriately, ensuring that the integrity of its electoral process is fully protected.
The statement concluded with a call for unity and calm: “The AGN calls on all members to remain law-abiding, focused, and committed to the democratic principles that have brought our Guild to this stage of renewal and growth.”