Producer warns entertainers on closeness to politicians

As the kidnappers of Nollywood actress, Nkiru Sylvanus, continue to hold her hostage, film producer and founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, Mr. Fidelis Duker, has advised actors and film-makers to be discerning in their relationship with politicians.

According to him, when it is a public knowledge that an artiste is very close to the corridor of power, kidnappers and other people with negative intentions may interpret it to mean that the person will have a lot to give out if captured or intimidated.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday, Duker appealed to Sylvanus’ kidnappers to release her, saying there was no way she could afford the N100m ransom being demanded.
He said, “I am not saying that anyone who has an opportunity to serve the people or participate in government should not do so. But there is a general perception that many of us are close to politicians and that they will readily bail us out if we get into trouble. Apart from those holding one political office or the other, many of us are close to politicians and openly relate with them. The fact is that you don’t know who and who are watching you. You don’t know kidnappers. They live among us.”
Duker also cautioned against flaunting of wealth by artistes who announce to the world each time they get new houses or cars.
According to him, it is like sending the wrong signals outside.