The Executive Producer of Unchained Vibes Africa, Ayodele Ganiu, has called on the Nigerian Police Force not to enforce its new policy aimed at prosecuting movie and skit makers for using police uniform or portraying the police institution in movies and comedy skits without authorization. Speaking at the Youth and Policing Summit for southwest region hosted by the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN) in Lagos from 31st October – 1st November 2022, Ayodele advised the Police to change their approach from coercing artists to embracing dialogue. He noted that skit makers and filmmakers have massive followers and can be strategic partners with the police in improving the relationship between the police and the people, especially the youth, if properly engaged.
He called on the police to adopt moral suasion, as opposed to the use of force and intimidation. According to him, the law recognizes the right of artists to use uniform of security agencies for artistic productions and performances, even without authorization.
The representative of the Lagos Police Command ACP Zongo argued that the activities of movie and skit makers and how they portray the police institution have serious implications for the image of the country, hence the need for authorization before such portrayals. He however expressed the Command’s interest in exploring better interactions with the artistic community and invited Unchained Vibes team to the state Command for further engagements aimed at bringing all stakeholders together for mutual understanding to improve the relationship between the Police and members of the artistic community.
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