Dance of Vipers… campaigning against violence

A group, Students in Nigeria Re-awakening Initiative (STINRI), has made a case against violence and terrorism in the country, and aims to expose perpetrators on the political and socio-economic spheres.

  With its new film, Dance of Vipers the group also aims at impressing on Nigerians the destructive effects of political violence and terrorism, with a view to dissuading youths from joining or being used for ills against society.

  At the premiere of the movie at the University of Abuja, national co-ordinator of STINRI, Mr. Nathan Oguwike, said, “The movie is aimed at persuading Nigerians to see what is wrong with a situation whereby people use intimidation as a means of gaining power. Nigerians must avoid such development because it is bad for our political culture and future”.

  Oguwike, who is a legal practitioner, said the movie is entirely a work of fiction and does not mention name names. Set in a pre-colonial Igbo community, Dance of Vipers focuses on the political dimension to the theme of ‘contemporary terrorism’.

  Oguwike explained, “For instance, we see a character in the movie threatening to make Amamkpa ungovernable if Ajuru, who is from a minority village, emerges the Oparaukwu (village head) of Amamkpa. When Ajuru is eventually chosen by the people, Ndi Odogwu starts their acts of terrorism”.

  The movie explains the need for the people of Amamkpa to resist being intimidated by Ndi Odogwu, who seeks dominance by means of terror attacks.

  Students in Nigeria Re-Awakening Initiative successfully completed the shooting of part one of the movie, with a sequel set to begin soon.

  Oguwike stated that financing the movie was made possible by group members, adding that neither political parties nor any politician offered any financial aide in this production.

  Dance of Vipers project, according to Oguwike, is anchored on strategic and responsible student participation in nation building, with the central message being that terrorism is a global phenomenon and must be resisted, especially by youths, who play a key role in society’s cohesion, especially in the forthcoming general elections.