Journalist calls for disqualification of BBN contestant Venita Akpofure

Journalist and development worker Devaan Haanmation-Mom, has initiated a Change.org petition calling for expulsion of Big Brother Naija All Stars contestant Venita Akpofure immediately for offensive comments she made disparaging the TIV people.

Mrs Haanmation-Mom expressed worry that a tribe that has produced prominent personalities such as the Secretary General of the Federation, Chief George Akume among others has been the at the receiving end of such malicious stereotypes.

“We are educated, accomplished citizens who are fervent yet compassionate,” “It is uncommon to find a Tiv individual involved in organised crime, either locally or internationally. We are a kind, warm and hospitable people. Despite our ‘Live and Let’s Live’ philosophy, we have been made the subject of ridicule. While we might not have addressed this issue at its inception, we are definitely prepared to confront it now,” the petition said.

The petition also insists that in addition Venita should be considered ineligible to win the N120 million prize money at the end of the show considering her offensive statements against the Tiv community.

While criticizing Multichoice and Big Brother Naija Brand for not taking a stand against such offensive remarks by contestants, the petition also demanded apologies from Big Brother Naija, MultiChoice and their representatives.

“Multichoice and the Big Brother Naija brand on the other hand, are fast distinguishing themselves as a pain in the neck for all right-thinking Nigerians, when they are not offering airtime for misogynistic comments such as those made by Seyi Awolowo, they are glad to allow their housemates spew filth against one of the biggest ethnic groups in Nigeria. For a brand that has remained controversial in the rather conservative nation called Nigeria, this strategy is at best unwise and at worst self-defeating,” Haanmation-Mom said in the petition.