There has by no means been a greater Nollywood motion film within the final twenty years that comes near the 2004 basic ‘State of Emergency’.
Regardless of being produced within the VHS period with minimal expertise and stunt work, this film stays a standout and fascinating viewers even immediately.
That includes a star-studded forged, the movie consists of performances from Saint Obi, J.T. Tom West, Amechi Muonagor, Rachael Oniga, Bimbo Manuel, Charles Awurum, and Ejike Asiegbu.
Tragically, many of those gifted actors are not with us. On this tribute, we replicate on their extraordinary contributions to the “State of Emergency” and the legacy they left behind.
“State of Emergency”, shot 20 years in the past, stays a memorable Nollywood story, due to its gripping storyline and the outstanding performances of its forged.
The Plot
“State of Emergency” kicks off with a gripping narrative centred across the FBI investigating a sequence of high-profile assassinations.
The story begins with the brutal homicide of the Commissioner of Well being’s daughter, setting off a series of occasions that result in the deaths of the Commissioner of Police’s daughter and the Governor’s daughter, all on the identical day.
FBI Officer Smith, performed by Saint Obi, suspects that these killings are linked to a covert navy squad he as soon as belonged to, often called Omega 12. Regardless of his warnings, Smith’s superiors dismiss his considerations.
Decided to uncover the reality, Smith seeks out Col Nelson, portrayed by Amechi Muonagor, who had educated Omega 12.
Although Nelson is unable to help as a result of his dismissal from the navy, Smith stays undeterred in his quest to cease the murders. In the meantime, a g, group of ministers convened on the Worldwide Convention Heart, a location Smith feared could be the subsequent goal.
The plot thickens as Charles, performed by J.T. Tom West, emerges because the chief of the legal gang chargeable for the assassinations. He takes the ministers hostage, demanding a ransom and paralysing the nation.
Smith’s makes an attempt to barter with Charles, an previous comrade from Omega 12, fail tragically, resulting in additional bloodshed. The movie retains viewers on the sting of their seats, questioning who will in the end put an finish to the chaos.
Memorable stellar performances
The success of “State of Emergency” is principally as a result of stellar performances of its forged, lots of whom have handed away, abandoning a legacy of unforgettable roles.
Saint Obi
Obi’s portrayal of Officer Smith is a testomony to his expertise and flexibility. Recognized for his roles in over 60 movies, Obi made a major impression on Nollywood.
In 2002, he produced his first film, “Take Me to Mama,” the place he starred alongside Ebi Sam, Rachael Oniga, Nse Abel, and Enebeli Elebuwa.
Obi’s profession was tragically minimize brief when he handed away on 8 Could 2023 on the age of 57, though he had been away from performing for some time earlier than his demise.
J.T. Tom West
Joe Tamuno-Bididamaa Tom West, broadly often called J.T. Tom West, introduced a charismatic menace to the position of Charles, the movie’s antagonist.
Recognized for his signature ponytail and smooth-talking manner, West was a outstanding determine in Nollywood in the course of the late 90s and early 2000s.
His life was tragically minimize brief by a deadly automobile accident on 25 September 2008 after finishing a late-night movie shoot. He died three days later at Ikeja Common Hospital in Lagos on the age of 41.
Rachael Oniga
Oniga’s position as Ms Clark, the president’s press secretary, showcased her distinctive performing abilities.
Oniga had a profitable profession spanning over twenty years, showing in quite a few movies and tv exhibits.
She handed away on 30 July 2021 as a result of a heart-related ailment on the age of 64.
Amaechi Muonagor
Muonagor’s portrayal of Col. Nelson, the dismissed navy officer, added depth to the movie’s narrative.
Muonagor was a flexible actor recognized for his roles in movies akin to “Akin na Ukwa” and its sequel, “Aki and Pawpaw.”
Sadly, he suffered a stroke in 2023, resulting in partial paralysis. Regardless of his attraction for monetary help for a kidney transplant, he succumbed to kidney failure on 24 March 2024 on the age of 67.
Ashley Nwosu
Nwosu’s efficiency because the navy officer main a counterattack towards the terrorists was one other movie spotlight.
Nwosu had a prolific profession in Nollywood, with notable roles in movies akin to “Genevieve” (2007), “Nigerian Ladies” (2009), and “Crying Angel” (2005).
He handed away on 21 April 2011 on the Army Hospital in Yaba, Lagos State, after a short sickness on the age of 56.
Bruno Iwuoha
Iwuoha’s portrayal of the Minister of Finance, held hostage by the terrorists, was each compelling and memorable.
Iwuoha was an distinctive actor, successful the Greatest Supporting Actor award on the third Africa Film Academy Awards for his position in “Sins of the Flesh.”
Earlier than his performing profession, he was a principal registered contractor with the Nationwide Fertiliser Firm of Nigeria (NAFCON) in Onne, Port Harcourt. Iwuoha handed away on 21 April 2021 on the Nationwide Hospital in Abuja at 68.
Ernest Azuzu
Azuzu performed the position of one of many terrorists who assassinated the ministers and tried to homicide Ms Clark’s solely son, John Paul, at his college.
Azuzu was the toast of Nollywood till his profession nosedived after he got here down with a stroke in 2015, which affected his speech. He was additionally bedridden for 3 years.
READ ALSO: MOVIE REVIEW: A Father’s Love: Nollywood movie that retains viewers guessing
In his final interview revealed by this newspaper in December 2020, Asuzu stated his downside was non secular. He additionally deliberate a return to Nollywood and music after an eight-year hiatus.
He launched a 7-track music album titled ‘The Reality’ in December 2020.
He died in January 2021 at age 37.
Watch State of Emergency – Right here
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