As far as MOPPAN is concerned, Rahama remains expelled – Officer

Salisu Mohammed Offi cer is the Executive Secretary of Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN). In this interview with ALIYU ASKIRA in Kano, Offi cer refutes a recent rumour on social media that the expelled Rahama Sadau had been recalled to the industry, among others.

Sir, the last time I interviewed you on the Rahama Sadau’s issue, you made it clear that as far as your association is concerned, she has been expelled for good. Why then did you decide to change your mind towards recalling her?

Oh no! Let me tell you. I have been receiving series of calls recently that we have recalled Rahama Sadau back to into the industry. On the contrary and as far as the secretary of MOPPAN, I concerned, nobody has recalled her or even discussed her issue. We don’t even have the issue on our table. Let me make it clear that what happened to her is not personal, nobody has any grudges against her but because she breached our law thrice, she can’t escape this action. Earlier, we had it in writing the last time she appeared before us in which she stated clearly that if she misbehaves again we should take any decision against her.

In spite of that, she went ahead and featured in a musical video in which she was clearly seen hugging a man. Th ereafter, we received series of complains from the public about that video, we met and decided that in order to avoid this in future, she should be expelled, and as I speak to you, she is still on expulsion. Whoever featured her in a fi lm will do so at his or her own risk.

Recently, Sadiq Zazzabi, who I believe is your close friend, was arrested by Kano State Films and Censorship Board for releasing a song into the market without clearance. What is MOPPAN doing to assist him in out of this case?

Thank you for this question. I want to say that all of us here operate like one family and like you rightly said, he released a song without clearance.

Th e issue is, he is aware of the existence of Kano State Films and Censorship Board, headed also by my good friend, Ismail Na’Abba Afakallahu, who was a stakeholder in Kannywood before his appointment, Zazzabi decided to take his song to them for clearance, and on the other hand, released the same song into the market without waiting for their approval. In common sense, what does this imply? So the Board felt off ended and decided to punish him for his action. I want to state here that we have no role to play here as the Board is not under MOPPAN. All I will say is that we will do all we could to resolve the matter amicably.

Coming back to issue of Dauda Adamu Rarara, who allegedly benefi tted immensely from Former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and now has released a song critical of the former Governor. Blueprint learnt of an attempt by some youth to lynch him and burn his offi ce. What is your take on this?

I only will comment on this issue because all those involved are members of MOPPAN and aside that, Rarara is my personal friend. As for whether he benefi tted from Former Governor Kwankwaso or not, I am not in position to say, because nobody has ever discussed with me the monetary issue or other materials that he benefi tted from the Former Governor, what I know was that when Kwankwaso was in power, Rarara did a lot to assist his government and also to campaign for President Buhari to win the 2015 General Elections. I believe that up till now, Rarara is still very close to President Muhammadu Buhari through his activities. When the president return from London after spending 50 days for his medical vacation, the singer released a song welcoming the President and the song was well accepted by the members of the public.

Also, when Ganduje became governor of Kano state, Rarara is one of us that is very close to him and I am not aware if because of that, Rarara has decided to part ways with Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. However, I will condemn in strong terms any attempt by anybody to attempt to do anything that will infringe on Dauda Adamu Kahutu’s fundamental right. If anybody is off ended by his song or any other thing, the person should go to court and not to attempt to take the law into his own hand. We are law-abiding citizens and I am not ruling out the possibility that Kwakwaso, Rarara and Governor Ganduje will one day sit on the same table as bothers with the sole intention of moving Kano State forward.

Salisu Mohammed Offi cer is the Executive Secretary of Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN). In this interview with ALIYU ASKIRA in Kano, Offi cer refutes a recent rumour on social media that the expelled Rahama Sadau had been recalled to the industry, among others. M

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