High Blood Pressure hits shelves

This is definitely cheering news for movie buffs. After a very successfully premiere/showings at some of the major cinemas in Nigeria, High Blood Pressure, the political thriller directed by top filmmaker Teco Benson, has finally hit shelves nationwide, with a bang.

Parading some of the biggest names in Nollywood, the big budget blockbuster, has been topping charts since its release on DVD, a fortnight ago.

Leading the pack of tested and trusted thespians that thrilled movie buffs in the suspense filled film are the duo of Kanayo O. Kanayo and Clarion Chukwurah. Others on the star-studded bill include: Yemi Blaq, Lilian Bach, Jibola Daboh, Jim Roach and a host of others.

The well-scripted plot of the movie revolves around a greedy politician, his ruthless god-father and an adulterous and scheming wife, all having their eyes on the governorship slot of a troubled state.

In a brief chat with us, Mr. Benson, whose name is synonymous with action thrillers in Nollywood, stated that the theme of the film captures the current mood of the nation, especially now that the race for 2011, is currently heating up the polity.

Also speaking, the executive producer cum marketer of the 2010 AMAA nominated movie, Mr. John Darlington Okonkwo, corroborated Benson’s claim that High Blood Pressure was all about the dirty and evil scheming of irresponsible and power-drunk politicians pretending to be agents of change in the polity.

“We are appealing to movie buffs to buy only the original copies and ignore pirated one’s Okonkwo added. The flick is being marketed and distributed by Good Life productions in collaboration with other video marts.

Nollywood guilds set conditions for foreign productions

Henceforth, any foreigner coming into Nigeria for movie related productions must be duly cleared by all the guilds in Nollywood as well as the relevant government agencies before being allowed to work.
Aside the necessary clearance, they will equally pay certain amount of levies to the relevant guilds before proceeding to work in Nollywood.
Making the new guidelines known at a recent parley with movie journalists was Mr. Bond Emeruwa, the Chairman of Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations (CONGA). According to him, the move became necessary, because the time has come to protect the Nigerian film industry, with a view to enabling it grow bigger and better.
Emeruwa further argued that the growth will equally increase its capacity to assist other emerging film industries globally.
He said CONGA, has resolved that any film practitioner wishing to work on a project in Nigeria must fulfill the following conditions.
“Obtain a clearance from the Interpol in his country of origin attesting to his criminal status. Apply for and obtain a written permission from the Nigerian Film Corporation. Apply for and obtain a written approval from CONGA, through the appropriate guild or association that best represents the practitioner’s area of practice. Any film practitioner or production company coming into Nigeria is doing so because of the conducive atmosphere. To ensure the continued existence of this atmosphere, there is need for those coming to practice in Nollywood to contribute financially, hence, the need for mandatory levies,” posited Emeruwa.
For foreign actors, producers, directors and screen writers, the sum of $2,500, will be paid respectively, for any job they are embarking on in Nigeria, while production companies are levied $10,000. Creative Designers, Production Managers, Assistant Directors and others will pay between $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. CONGA, also made it clear that any foreign film that seeks to be distributed in Nigeria, must first be censored by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board as well as registered with the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria.
It added that a non refundable fee of $10,000, a censorship certificate from the country of origin, a copyright certificate from the country of origin and from the Nigerian Copyright Commission, as well as proof of censorship in Nigeria, must be produced before any foreign film will be distributed.
CONGA, also said that any film produced in Nigeria that parades one or two foreign artistes shall be treated as a foreign film, at the point of distribution, except otherwise stated. It also resolved that any foreign production sited within the geographical area of Nigeria, must have at least 80 percent of its cast and crew as Nigerians.
Speaking further, Emeruwa, also the president of Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) insisted that the new policies, without prejudice, were put in place as parts of the concerted efforts aimed at protecting and inculcating laudable ethics in the Nigerian film industry.
“However, CONGA, reserves the right to modify all these as it pertains to individual countries. And will also consider specific applications for waivers from foreign production companies,” Emeruwa explained.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that the Ghana film industry, known as Ghollywood recently levied the sum of $1,000 and $5,000, respectively on Nigerian actors and producers coming to work in Ghana. Many now see the new initiative from CONGA, as a retaliatory measure against their Ghanaian counterparts that fired the first salvo.

Chico Ejiro opens Nollywood Plantation Bar

Prolific filmmaker, Chico Ejiro is poised to rock tinsel town with another laudable initiative soon.

The Delta State born movie mogul has concluded plans to officially open his one-stop Nollywood Plantation Bar, to exclusively cater for stars, celebrities, patrons and selected friends of the industry.

According to elated Ejiro, aside choice drinks and specially prepared African cuisines, there will also be big screens to help lovers of football and quality movies relax and network whenever they saunter in.

“We are ready to serve stars and celebs the best of drinks and African cuisines in a very relaxed and nature-friendly environment. Segun Arinze and Shan George will be the Chief bar men on the day of the opening, which is next week Saturday. On a daily basis, we are going to be having different stars as the Chief bar man or women, whose job is to specially serve our high-end guests, while I will be coordinating as the overall officer in charge,” he disclosed.

Ejiro said his reason for setting up the bar was to help stars and celebrities relax in a place that they can call theirs, adding that Nollywood was long over due for a place like the new hang-out. The new joint is situated within the premises of Ejiro’s Grand Touch Pictures office, in the heart of Surulere, Lagos.

Omowunmi Akinnifesi distances self from affair with Naeto C

Beautiful Lagos State Environmental Ambassador and erstwhile Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, has condemned the rumour alleging an impending wedding between her and Kini Big Deal crooner, Naeto C. In a recent encounter, the delectable and sexy ex-beauty queen maintained that nothing could be further from the truth. Denying having anything intimate with Naeto C, who is the son of former Aviation Minister, Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Wunmi, like her friends call her, wondered why some funny characters now take delight in weaving unpleasant stories around her and her love life. She was first linked with one Dele Fasan, which later turned out to be a ruse. And now, this weird one with Naeto C.
On how the rumour came to her knowledge, the Geography and Regional Planning graduate of the University of Lagos said: “It came to my attention on Twitter, because I don't read magazines that don't have credibility and that can't be sued. My friends and I laughed about it and my first reaction was to ignore it, but then other media houses, big and small, continued to carry the false rumour without confirming from me first”.
Admitting knowing the crooner like all those that listen to his music, she, however, insisted that she doesn't have any relationship whatsoever with Mrs. Chikwe whom the mischief makers alleged is in the know of the non-existent affair, and as a matter of fact hasn't even met her physically.
Visibly embittered Wunmi, urged the wicked tale bearers to get off her back as she's busy working on some special projects and focusing on her newest academic endeavours and ambassadorial work for Lagos State. “As anxious as they are to see me walk down the aisle, let them wait until there is indeed a suitor and I make that person's identity known to the public, not some jobless people imposing somebody on me”.

National Awards: AGN to host Aki, Mama G

For making the Nigerian motion picture industry proud, especially Nollywood, the famous duo of Chinedu Ikedieze (MFR), popularly known as Aki and Patience Ozokwo (MON), affectionately called Mama G, by fans will soon be hosted to a lavish reception by the leadership of (Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN). The reception, we reliably gathered is part of the activities lined up for them by AGN, for receiving this year’s edition of the National Honour Awards. “For the duo being singled out this year in the whole of Nigerian motion picture industry, for national awards by Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is a big plus for the entire Nollywood”, enthused AGN national president, Mr. Segun Arinze.

Continuing, the popular actor, who was full of praises for Mr. President, further disclosed that a special committee to be headed by star actress, Stella Damasus, had already been set up, in order to ensure a befitting reception for the duo soon.

“On behalf of AGN, let me also use this opportunity to heartily congratulate Chinedu and Patience on their well-deserved national awards honour by the federal government. In fact, the entire AGN members and Nollywood community are happy for the awards. Our national secretariat was agog with celebrations the day the awards were presented to them. We equally thanked the federal government for this kind gesture and urge them to honour more Nollywood practitioners, for we have really done great to launder the battered image of this great nation through our laudable productions. Thank you Mr. President”, Arinze concluded.

Also speaking, top actress and filmmaker, Stephanie Okereke said the news of the national awards gladdens her heart, adding that the recognition would definitely spur Nollywood practitioners to do more for fatherland. She equally thanked the federal government for further elevating Nollywood with the recent awards, maintaining that the awards were a step in the right direction for the industry. In her words: “Sincerely, I was so happy when the sweet news reached me. Nollywood has really done great for this country and recognizing us with such honours will ever make us go to the next level with our creativity. I’ve stood side by side with world leaders because of this great industry, which has really repositioned our battered image. It is an industry that has brought joy, happiness, employment, fame and fortune to most homes. It has also created great role models for this nation. We sincerely thank Mr. President for the honour and equally look forward to more recognition from his government,” she posited.

According to the spokesman of AGN, Mr. Abu Yakubu, the reception’s date and venue would be made public soon and equally communicated to all the expected special guests. Meanwhile, in a recent chat, the newly decorated star actor, maintained that the award was fulfilling, adding that it was also a thing of joy to be singled out in the whole of Nigeria for the honour.

Black and White Ball rules Lagos

Lagos, the centre of excellence rocked and roared endlessly penultimate Sunday evening when Encomium, the magazine and awards company hosted its high-octane, all glitz and all glamour six-hour soiree. Stylishly christened The Black and White Ball, the series two of the grand gathering, which incorporated the Elegance and Style awards alongside a spectacular and scintillating fashion show, was well attended by stars, celebs and the glitterati.
Held elaborately at the upscale and enchanting Darlington Hall, situated in the heart of Ilupeju, the fun filled and memorable evening was sensationally anchored by A-list actor and man of style, Chidi Mokeme, whom many of his colleagues from Nollywood also attended.
With colours black and white visible in all corners of the well-decorated and lavishly-lit hall, the breath-taking bash officially began with a fashion show. Amazingly, some of the reigning and revered couturiers that showcased the best of Nigerian fashion with eclectic designs, mostly for soignées present at the graceful outing that afforded high-net-worth guests the opportunity and time to relax, chit-chat and network included chiseled models from JD7 and Zizi. Others that dazzled on the runway include: Vigold, Imol, Shakara, House of Nwocha, Nobel Afrik, Adu, Rouge and Design for Love. Unarguably, one of Nigeria’s most colourful and glamourous assemble of celebs, stars, glamozons, fashionistas and stylish professionals, The Black and White Ball, truly lived up to its pre event media hypes and hailing. Aside hosting and serenading all with good music and enchanting fashion parade in a conducive environment, the organizers equally made provisions for surplus victuals. The choice drinks and assorted cuisines kept pouring in for those with large appetites to keep devouring and savouring. Of course, the availability of small chops and canapés gave room for more jollifications and munching.
The rendezvous climaxed with the special presentations of the Elegance and Style Awards 2010, where well-deserving awards were presented to awardees in 18 different categories. This year’s affair, which is still a topic of discussion on the lips of many, especially those privileged to grace, was themed: Elegance is ennobling, and as expected, the few that refused to comply with the dress code of black and white, all black or all white plush ensembles were thoroughly bounced at the entrance gate. While the good, great, gorgeous and glamourous that conformed to the rules and regulations were specially ushered into the enthralling event that began with a photo-session, outside the main hall.
Commenting on the prom, the elated head honcho of Encomium Ventures, Mr. Olakunle Bakare, a meticulous and respected man of style, thanked all those that made the ball possible and successful, adding that another spell-binding edition is already being planned for 2011.

Emem Isong serenades with two-in-one premiere

Few months after the grand opening of her acting school, Royal Arts Academy, leading female film producer, Emem Isong is poised to dazzle Nollywood again with double world premieres under one roof. This Sunday evening, Isong and the duo of Uche Jombo and Desmond Elliot will be storming the posh Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island, Lagos, with Bursting Out and Holding Hope. While Isong, single handedly produced the former flick, she collaborated with Jombo and Elliot, on the latter. According to her, Bursting Out, is a romantic comedy that sensationally treats contemporary issues, on a lighter note, while Holding Hope, dwells on the dreaded disease, cancer. “The former is a romantic story that will make you laugh and laugh, while the latter is a very serious story that treated painfully, the issue of cancer. In fact, it’s a tragic story about the vicissitudes of life and a dying mother’s love for her only son. Both movies will make you laugh and cry, meaning there is a balance for our entire invited guests coming for the premieres,” she maintained.

Bursting Out, starred Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michael, Omoni Oboli, Susan Peters and Uti of the Big Brother fame. The quartet of Uche Jombo, Desmond Elliot, Nadia Buari and Ngozi Nwosu thrilled in Holding Hope, which was shot in both Lagos and New York, respectively. The anticipated evening of fun, relaxation and high-level networking, which is strictly by invitation, will begin with a Red Carpet at exactly 4.30pm. The premieres proper, will kick off at 7pm, with Bursting Out, jointly directed by Daniel Ademinokhai and Desmond Elliot. Shedding more light on the premieres being proudly powered by her Royal Arts Academy, Isong, with over 20 blockbusters to her credit, disclosed that they have concluded plans to embark on a seven-city tour with both movies immediately after the Sunday outing. “We have concluding arrangements with our foreign partners to storm London, Houston, New York, Toronto and Accra with these movies between now and early 2011. We also want to have follow up premieres in Abuja and Port-Harcourt soon. The aim of all these is to create the much needed awareness for these films before releasing them on DVD, courtesy of Royal Arts Academy. It is always good to promote good and exceptional productions and that is what we have decided to do with these two movies. Nollywood is now a global force and institution that the world looks up to and we must keep sustaining that tempo with great works and special premieres,” she hinted.

On why she and her partners are premiering two films same day, under one roof, the Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Calabar, reminded us that this outing will not be the first time they would be embarking on such projects. “Remember that last year, Desmond, Uche and I, premiered two blockbusters, Guilty Pleasures and Nollywood Hustlers same day, under one roof and same venue. And it was a huge success, we decided to leverage on that success for another great outing this Sunday. It’s our style and we want to keep leveraging on it because it works effectively for us”, she disclosed.

Meanwhile, VIP tickets for the two-in-one premiere that is currently serenading Tinsel town are also available on special requests. The dress code for the event is glamourous.

AY storms Abuja, opens comedy club, gets new website

Multi-talented entertainer Ayo Richard Makun and his team are poised to storm Abuja on Sunday, August 29, for the second edition of his popular comedy and music concert, AY LIVE. Tagged: Implication 2010, Makun, has boasted that residents of the Federal Capital Territory would definitely have the greatest fun of their lives as he invades Abuja on the D-Day with his entourage.
The concert which is expected to hold at the prestigious This Day Dome would be parading some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Some of the stars on the bill include: Tuface, Wande Coal, MI, Dr. Sid and a host of other top rated musical acts. Stand up comics to perform are: Gordons, I Go Dye, Seyi Law, Mc Abbey, Buchi and more. Also co-hosting the show alongside Makun is Nollywood top actress, Genevieve Nnaji.
Shedding more light on the forthcoming show, Makun also the CEO of AY TV, called on all residents in Abuja to keep Sunday, August 29, in their hearts, as the show promises to be fun filled and memorable.
In a related development, AY as he’s affectionately called, has equally declared open his long awaited comedy club dubbed: AY’s Open Mic Comedy Club. Speaking on the rationale behind the new and laudable initiative, the Ondo State born comedian disclosed that his burning desire to promote comedy and the entertainment business in general necessitated the move. “It’s basically a monthly comedy and variety show intended to entertain a distinct audience of high class, polished taste, decision makers and socially responsible individuals. It is designed to hold every second Saturday of the month at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria”.
While unveiling the new project, the Theatre Arts graduate of the Delta State University, revealed that over the years he had observed a reduction in the attendance of decision makers and audience of high class partaking in comedy and entertainment events. “In view of this, AY in collaboration with Sun International, operators of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino teamed up to painstakingly put the monthly show.”
On the bill for the debut edition were a host of popular comedians and musicians including, Gordons, Klint D Drunk, Seyi Law, Banky W, Yemi Sax, Godbless and his Ebony band among others.
In line with his pledge to always discover new talents, all editions of the monthly show would begin with a comedy challenge featuring five contestants. The winner goes home with a prize and an automatic ticket to take part in all “AY LIVE” comedy concerts nationwide. Emerging names like: Seyi Law, Elenu, Emeka Smith, MC Shakara and a host of others were discovered through this same medium.
Meanwhile, to further connect with his teeming fans as well as maintain a global appeal, the presenter/producer of the famous AY Show, recently launched his new website.
“Here, you can find almost everything about AY’s profile, biography, photo galleries, and clips of his live shows, his awards and more. The site aims to provide his up to date news and views together with many links to sites with information on local and national interests. In addition, the website aims to provide an effective service between AY and his fans through other applications such as Face book, twitter, YouTube and more. It’s simply www.ayshow.tv,” added one of his aides.

More tears for Toun Oni in Nollywood

Ahead of her forthcoming burial , more Nollywood stars and stakeholders are still wailing and lamenting the irreparable loss of veteran actress, Toun Oni.

In an emotion-laden chat with us, top actress and producer, Stephanie Okereke said the sad news came to her as a rude shock, adding that she wept all day. “The sad news spoilt my whole day and completely devastated me. I’m not trying to question God for his actions, but why must it be her?” She queried. Miss Okereke, equally prayed God to give the Oni family, the fortitude to bear the loss.

Also speaking, the immediate past national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, who’s currently in Australia for a movie related engagement, told us he read the news online and became emotionally shattered through out that day. “Just like I got the bad news of the fire incident that ravaged The Sun online, I also read the sad news of Mama T’’s death online here in Australia. On behalf of myself and family, I sincerely commiserate with the entire family and pray they find solace in the bosom of our God, for He alone gives and takes. The deceased was a fantastic actress and would remain so even in death. The entire Nigerian motion picture industry will miss her immense talent. Adieu Mama T,” Asiegbu lamented.

With a painful voice, the head honcho of O’Jez Entertainment Centre, Mr. Anayo Odobeatu, said his monthly Entertainment Forum, had penciled down the deceased for hosting, before the sad news shattered the wonderful plan. He regretted the fact that Oni would no longer be hosted by the forum. “The news of Toun Oni’s death was a big loss to the nation’s entertainment industry, especially the motion picture sector. We had already concluded plans to host her before the end of this year, for her giant contributions to the industry. In fact, the letter was ready; we were about sending it to her when the sad news reached us. Maybe, we might decide to honour her post humously in a very special way. With tears in my eyes, I sincerely sympathize with her entire family and pray that her soul rests in peace, because she was a role model that inspired many with her career,” Odobeatu posited.

Meanwhile, reliable information reaching us has it that the AGN, under the current leadership of Segun Arinze, said they would join the family in giving the deceased a befitting burial. In the words of Arinze, Toun Oni, lived a good and exemplary life as an outstanding actress and deserved to be celebrated, even in death. “We’ll do our best in collaboration with her family to ensure that Mama T, gets a befitting burial.”

Top producer, Donald Okoli, while lamenting regretted that the talented actress, would no longer be part of a production, he had earlier drafted her into, adding that she would be greatly missed by all.

It would be recalled that the first wife of Chief Fuji, in the hit comedy series, Fuji House of Commotion, died last Wednesday, after complaining of severe headache. As an accomplished thespian, she traversed both the stage and screen, in a memorable career that spanned close to four decades.

Meanwhile, in a related development, several Nollywood practitioners are raising concerns over the state of health of actor, Prince James Uche. Confirmed information at our disposal has it that the thespian, who once contested the presidency of AGN, is lying critically ill at a hospital in Surulere, Lagos, and has been on admission there for over a week.

Nigerians in Indonesia, other parts of the world cry out over extra-judicial killings

Incessant reports of how Nigerian immigrants and businessmen are usually hounded and in most cases, killed or executed like common criminals in most parts of the world without regard to the rule of law, is increasing at an alarming rate.

And painfully, the silence or lukewarm attitude of the Nigerian government to the plight of these ‘unfortunate’ Nigerians, either dead or languishing in prisons abroad (most on death row), is quite disturbing, heartbreaking and urgently calls for national concern.
In fact, following the recent brutal killing of three Nigerian men who were on business trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, by security operatives, a pressure group, Save Nigerians Living Abroad (SNLA), has called on the Jonathan government to immediately put an end to the rampant extra-judicial killings and illegal detentions of innocent Nigerians residing or doing businesses in Indonesia and other parts of the world.

Daily Sun exclusively gathered that the three Nigerians, Oliver Uchechukwu Osondu, Chinedu Joseph Chukwurah and Onyebuchi Richard Maduakor, were randomly picked on the streets of Jakarta, while going for business meetings and killed, for simply being blacks and proudly carrying the Nigerian passports with pride.

Regrettably, the gruesome killings of Osondu and Chukwurah in broad day light were very pathetic and smacks of wickedness and hate, for Nigerians residing in Indonesia. Narrating the dastard act to Daily Sun, Mr. Okechi Chukwudi, the national coordinator of (SNLA), in an emotion-laden voice disclosed that a fellow Nigerian, who was arrested while eating in a restaurant, sent an SOS to Osondu. “Upon Osondu’s arrival, he was immediately arrested, killed and buried in the presence of the fellow he came to rescue, by security operatives.”

While Maduakor from Imo State, we were told was brutally killed because the security operatives scrolled and saw his phone number, which was the last dialed, in the handset of a fellow Nigerian that had earlier been picked on the street, while going for a business meeting with his papers intact.

In the case of Chukwurah, he was arrested on the street and shot at close range like a common criminal, after being tortured like the two others.

The brutality and bestiality of the Indonesian Police and other security agencies are the fears of all Nigerians living or coming regularly to transact business in the Asia country.

Daily Sun reliably gathered that out of the 20 Nigerians currently on death rows awaiting the hangman’s noose, two had already been executed, without fair trials, despite pleas from several Nigerians and Rights Groups. They were: Samuel Iwuchukwu Okoye and Tony Hassan.

Daily Sun further gathered that all the condemned men were hurriedly tried and sentenced to death in Kangaroo courts where only Indonesian language was used in passing judgments, thereby denying them the right to fair trials.

According to Chukwudi, the Jonathan government should help put an end to the wicked and extra-judicial killings of Nigerians, especially vulnerable businessmen in Indonesia. It’s also a pity that in 2009, this issue was brought to the notice of the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, but he could not do anything. “In fact, the Yar’Adua administration sent him to Indonesia over these incessant killings last year, but he achieved nothing. On behalf of SNLA, we are appealing with the new minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia to quickly revisit this matter and help save the lives of these 18 Nigerians already condemned to death in Indonesia. All these men condemned to death are bread winners of their respective families and the Nigerian government should not allow or watch them die like chickens or common criminals. Something must be done now to save these precious lives. We also have Indonesians living freely and doing businesses in Nigeria. Our security agencies have never illegally arrested or killed them for coming to Nigerian. So, why is our case different? It’s a shame that the world over Nigerians are being hounded and killed like common criminals, because they are always proud carrying the Nigerian passport. We have started the campaign that will help save the precious lives of Nigerians living or traveling abroad for works and businesses, and we are appealing to the government to support us in this campaign. An average Nigerian is hard-working, obedient, respectful and not a criminal?”

Meanwhile, a couple of weeks ago, the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora headed by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Eruwa, demanded for justice on the murder of a Nigerian in Warsaw, Poland, by the Polish Police on May 23. Lamenting the death Eruwa said that as a nation, we must always demand fair and better treatment of our citizens abroad. “The death of another Nigerian in Poland indicates the pathetic treatment meted out to Nigerians abroad. We must take a holistic look at the incessant cases of deaths of Nigerians abroad and demand better treatment. The last time a Nigerian was killed by the Swiss Police, their ambassador in Nigeria only apologized and that was it”, she recalled bitterly.

Also speaking recently with journalists during the inauguration of a book entitled: Nigeria’s 50 Legislative Icons: The Story of a Transformative Legislature (1999 -2009) Hon. Eruwa raised another alarm on the fate of Nigerians residing abroad.

The former broadcaster turned lawmaker posited that except stringent steps were taken, many more Nigerians stand the risks of being executed abroad.

At the event, the lawmaker also faulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its worrisome silence over the tragic matter, claiming that she receives text messages every-two hours from Nigerians languishing in foreign prisons.

She also kicked against the lukewarm attitude of the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Ojo Maduekwe, to the plight of Nigerians in prisons abroad.

Hon. Eruwa also joined the Socio-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), in condemning the recent execution of Nigerians in Libya, by the Ghaddafi government. Hear her again: “We raised an alarm that Nigerians were about to be executed in Liberia, the Foreign Affairs Minister then said it was not true ,but we persisted and got them back…So, this is another batch that has been executed and another batch would be executed. It’s like a quarterly thing if we do not do something. We need to bring back our Charge d’ Affairs in Libya, we need to go there and make strong presentations, because if we keep quiet more Nigerians will be executed.”
Still condemning the executions, SERAP also called on President Jonathan to put in place measures to help investigate the reported executions of Nigerians living abroad, especially those residents in Indonesia and Libya.

SERAP particularly urged Jonathan to call for an extraordinary session of the African Union Assembly to deliberate on the executions of Nigerians and nationals of other African countries in Libya, as a strategic way of addressing the recurring and very ugly incident.
“How can you hurriedly condemn to death, a man who do not have access to lawyers and do not understand the trials proceedings because they are not translated in the language he understands?” asked embittered Chukwudi.

Human rights campaign group, Amnesty International has also strongly condemned the reported execution of 18 foreigners, including some Nigerians in Libya recently. “Libya executes a disproportional large number of foreigners every year,” said Amnesty International.

Shockingly, the recent revelation by Mr. Fola Rahman, a UK based Legal Practitioner and immigration consultant that 20,000 Nigerians are currently languishing in various UK prisons, is another embarrassment and ugly tale that the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should try and tackle urgently.