FG Bans Film On Poverty, Orders Security To Deal With Producer

Source: Osaremen Ehi James/Nigeriafilms.com
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Premium Times has exclusively obtained a letter purportedly signed by the Head of Legal Services of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Effiong Inwang, warning a short-film producer, Bako Ishaya, not to release his documentary on Nigerian poverty, Fuelling Poverty.

It was reported that the Nigerian government has banned the airing and distribution of the documentary, which is believed to have element that could "incite or encourage public disorder and undermine national security," because it is "highly provocative."

The 30-minute film documents the massive poverty in Nigeria and advocates against corruption and greed in the country.

The film was shot by Bako in conjunction with the Open Society for West Africa (OSIWA). It was reported. That the documentary was sent to NFVCB in 2012 for it to be cencored but the board sent a letter back to Bako warning him from distributing the film or be dealt with by the government of Nigeria.

The letter reportedly said that "all relevant national security agencies are on the alert. A copy of this letter has been sent to the Director General, Department of State Services and the Inspector General of Police for their information."