We Never Abandoned Ernest Asuzu- Actors Guild
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), through its president, Emeka Rollas, has debunked reports that the association abandoned actor, Ernest Asuzu.
Recall that Ernest Asuzu, recently made headlines after a video surfaced online showing him begging for alms on the streets of Lagos. Asuzu who defended his action, said he deliberately removed his shirt so that Nollywood practitioners would feel his pain. He also solicited financial assistance from well-meaning Nigerians to enable him take care of his medical bills.
Reacting to the current condition of the actor, Rollas told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that AGN board was making efforts for another spiritual rehabilitation for Asuzu.
According to him, the body had set up a celebrity forum to encourage members to send money to Asuzu directly via his Access Bank account.
He told NAN that AGN had sent Asuzu for a spiritual rehabilitation in the past. “We appreciate all the concerns and show of love from members and the public over Asuzu’s plight, but I need to point out here that AGN has never abandoned him.
“He went for rehabilitation at the Mercy Land Christ Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta, by Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, a spiritual patron of our guild.
“He spent some months and recovered,” he said. Rollas added that Fufeyin gave Asuzu gifts including money and a jeep, after the rehabilitation, to further support him. “ Since he left Warri, we have not heard from him,” he added.
Further, Rollas said that the AGN was not notified of any relapse by Asuzu, to enable the body to give more assistance.
“All of a sudden, the young man made a defamatory video. We totally frown at this erroneous and misdirected act because it is unimaginable to think or believe that we did not play a role to an actor who has fallen due to hard times.
“The point I am driving at here is that it is unfair to be blame an entire industry for the unfortunate turnaround of one of its own,” the AGN boss added.
NAN reports that Asuzu, who started his acting career in the 90’s, starred in Royal War, Burning Desire, Never End, Broads Light, Last Wedding, Ugonna, Labista, Ogidan and some other movies.
He has won several awards including Best Actor at Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards, Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards, Best Actor in Supporting Role at Africa Movie Academy Awards, and Most Prominent Actor in Nigeria at the Best Nollywood Awards. Asuzu who doubles as a rapper, movie director and producer suffered stroke in 2015.
