Terry G, Denrele Edun and Grace Amah were among a host of celebrities that were on Monday ejected from their hotel in Abakaliki where they had lodged for a programme organized to host stars of Ebonyi State origin who are making waves in the entertainment industry.
Terry G, Denrele, Grace Amah
News making rounds on the social media reports the height of embarrassment faced by some Nigerian celebrities in Ebonyi state due to the ineptitude of the state's Ministry of Culture and Tourism that organised a social event to honour Nollywood stars for their achievements in the industry.
Popular musician Terry G, Channel O presenter, Denrele, Nollywood actress, Grace Amah were among 50 other stars who were invited for the programme. Some of those honoured include Cha Cha Ekeh, Grace Amah, Patoranking etc who hail from the state.
Events went south when the celebrities were ejected from their hotel rooms in Abakaliki on Monday with armed policemen for overstaying their welcome. This sparked a massive protest by the invited celebrities at the government house.
They said they entered into agreement with the government to be paid a certain amount of money as appearance fee which the state government could not honour.
According to one of the stars, Sholade: “Instead of them giving us our return tickets, our appearance fee; they sent police men to forcefully eject us from our hotel room.”
It was learnt that the two cars whose keys were handed over to Grace Amah and Patoranking at the event, have not been delivered to the stars as the organizers were yet to complete the payment to the suppliers.
In a reaction, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr. Jerry Uhuo said only four days was approved for the stars which elapsed Sunday night.
He regretted that some of the artists misbehaved including smoking against the stipulated rules in the hotel where they were lodged. Efforts to reach several celebrities who attended the event failed as at press time putting the report on a speculative note.