RAHAMA SADAU BANNED……. WHY WAS ALI NUHU AND CO SPARED?

BY: PUPWAYA TIMOTHY DIBAL

The ban on popular Hausa Movie actress Rahama Sadau from appearing in movies by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) has continued to generate controversy. Most people are not in support of the ban but there are few that feel since she is part of the Northern movie industry, she went too far by appearing in a romantic music video by an upcoming artist, ClassiQ a Jos based musician.

A Kannywood leading actor, Ali Nuhu has spoken in support of Rahama’s ban. He called it logical because he felt that Rahama has violated the ethics and code of conduct of Kannywood by holding hands and falling on ClassiQ’s back in the said music video that led to MOPPAN placing a ban on her.

The one million naira question here is why was Ali Nuhu never expel or ban for similar appearance. The actor was seen in some of the Nollywood movies he has featured in romantic scenes, kissing and caressing women (Cheating on my ghost husband, Queen of the Land among others) and he has never been banned. Although in his chat with Daily Trust, he responded to criticism of MOPPAN selective discipline of its members. Ali said that his roles with the opposite sex in Nollywood movies were acted long before MOPPAN’S code of conduct for its members came into force. He argued that MOPPAN has not showed any bias on the ban on Rahama Sadau.

Many Nigerians who vented their responses on social media have shown support for Rahama and have strongly accused MOPPAN of gender discrimination. See comments from social media:

Muhammad Lawal @MuhdLawal: Ali Nuhu hugs and kiss ladies in Nollywood, Sani Danja shot a video with girls in bikini…….. Where was the rage? #Kannywood

Abdul @The_MaleBoss: But Ali Nuhu hugs and kisses in movies? Why Rahama? I think this has to do with gender issue

A.A Abbagana ESQ @CrankySolicitor: Hausa girl hugs man and gets banned! Why won’t Ali Nuhu or Sani Danja get banned for doing the same?

The questions MOPPAN is left to answer are: 1) Why has Ali Nuhu not been banned? 2) Are there different codes of conduct for male and female in the industry? 3) Is it purely a gender issue?

One is certain, Kannywood has lost one of the most promising and talented actress.