Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu has given reasons he wore the Biafran flag on the streets of Onitsha on Thursday.
In a video posted online, Agu is seen sitting on the bare floor without shoes, telling the armed soldiers that his attire does not represent Biafra or the Eastern Security Network.
He pointed out that the symbol of the sun embossed on the cloth was simply a representation of the rising sun.
The popular actor added that he was not campaigning for Biafra but only sharing N10,000 worth of bread to members of the public at Upper Iweka when he was apprehended and whisked away by the soldiers.
The soldiers then went into an argument among themselves and he cautioned the junior officers to show respect to their seniors.
The Nigerian Army, yesterday, released a statement saying that the veteran actor was not harmed in any way neither were his fundamental rights infringed upon.
They added that the reason he was arrested was that he was instigating members of the public to join Biafra.
Scores of celebrities have reacted to Agu’s arrest. Walter Anga said that the actor had spent the better part of his life putting smiles on people’s faces and so does not deserve the treatment being meted out to him.
He asked if the same treatment could be give to Northerners who are often seen wearing military camouflage.
Reno Omokri, on his part, said that Myetti Allah holds conferences threatening Nigerians and nobody arrests them. He added that Sheikh Gumi has been praising terrorists and bandits and nobody has touched him. For Reno, it is unfair to arrest someone for wearing the Biafran flag attire.
The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas said he was confused at Chiwetalu’s decision to wear the attire especially with the present state of the nation.
He also said that the association was having talks with the army concerning Agu’s release.
Read also:
Soldiers Brutalise Actor, Chiwetalu Agu for Adorning Biafra Attire (video)
‘Why I Wore Biafran Flag Attire’ – Chiwetalu Agu (video)