'Innocuous touching with other people in my line of work is inevitable', banned actress speaks out

Rahama Sadau has finally broken her silence with regards to her expulsion from Kannywood, the Hausa film industry.

The actress took to her Instagram page today, October 4, 2016 to share a statement about her recent ban from the industry by the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria for her role  in Classiq’s 'I love you' music video.

In the letter, Sadau apologized to those she offended, thanked her fans and admitted MOPPAN’s decision came as a surprise to her.

"Following the events of the last few days and MOPPAN’s unilateral decision to exclude me from the Hausa indigenous film industry, known as Kannywood, I would like to use this medium to address my fans, friends, those who have been affected and all who have shown concern.

To those who I have offended in any way, shape or form and who I have caused any anxiety by featuring in the said music video, I sincerely apologise. It was a job and I was carrying out my role in my profession, as I would in any other production, be it a Hausa language film or a Nollywood production. However, innocuous touching with other people in my line of work is inevitable.

I have lines that I would never cross and indeed I live and stand by the tenets, “actions are judged according to intentions”.

The outcome of the events that have taken place has come as a surprise to us all. I may have fallen short of some people’s expectations, but it was never my intention. I make no excuses for my actions and I take full responsibility.

Thank you to all those who have reached out at this time and to everyone in general for your unwavering support. Your passion and loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed and I am privileged to have your support. This, I do not take for granted and I want nothing more than to continue making you all proud.

I implore us all to be more tolerant and forgiving towards one another and to cease all the senseless abuse, name-calling and backbiting. This achieves nothing other than to cause a huge divide amongst us. May we all continue to benefit from the Almighty’s mercy and may He protect and guide us all as we go about our daily lives".

Sadau’s expulsion was made public in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Salisu Mohammed on October 3, 2016. Mohammed also warned other actors to adhere to the rules binding their participation in the Kannywood film industry else face similar punishment.

Jos-born artiste Classiq whose video she appears in says he was shocked by the decision of MOPPAN.

“I actually asked and begged Rahama Sadau to be part of the video because she is a popular figure in the entertainment industry and that is all. I wanted a popular face in the video", he told Premium Times.

Meanwhile the actress is iset to star in a new movie title "Ajuwaya"