The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has refuted allegations made by Stella Okafor, the wife of ailing actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, claiming that the guild had not been supportive of the comic actor.
When Mr. Ibu publicly sought assistance for an undisclosed ailment on October 18, the guild was accused of neglecting the actor, who has made significant contributions to the movie industry.
In a video posted on its Instagram page on October 20, Kate Henshaw, the Director of Communications for the AGN, responded to the accusations and emphasized the guild's commitment to supporting its members, particularly in times of health-related challenges.
The AGN's statement in part read:
"We are compelled to make this public statement in reaction to the vituperations of some netizens over the health of one of our respected and esteemed members, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu. We are not here to join issues with anybody, but we want to set the records straight over the public outcry that the guild and his colleagues have abandoned him at his point of need. The guild has never abandoned any of its members in need, especially with health interventions. We have been in the forefront of providing necessary support to Mr. Ibu even before his health condition was ever made public."
Following the release of this statement, Mr. Ibu's wife released a video denying the claims of AGN's support for her husband. In the video, she expressed her distress and frustration, stating that the guild had not been there for her husband despite their claims to the contrary.
Responding to her allegations, Kate Henshaw reiterated that the AGN has indeed been supportive of Mr. Ibu. She explained that Mr. Ibu's ailment had reoccurred, and he is expected to address it personally. She pointed out that the guild had provided support in 2021, and in June 2022, Mr. Ibu's daughter, Jasmine, sent a message to the guild's president, Emeka Rollas, expressing gratitude for their assistance to her ailing father.
Kate clarified that there is evidence, including bank statements, to substantiate their claims of support for Mr. Ibu. She emphasized that the AGN is not a charitable organization, a bank, or a hospital.
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