Obscene films to attract penalties as Lagos Assembly amends Cinematography Law

IBRAHIM QUADRI

In a bid to regulate the contents of the production of films and home video in the State, Lagos State House of Assembly has resolved to amend the Law on cinematography in the State.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni who presided over the plenary on Thursday,  called on the House Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture to engage the Ministries of Justice, Tourism, Arts and Culture and other relevant agencies on the necessary amendment which will include fees and penalties of the cinematography Law, Ch. C8. Vol3, Laws of Lagos State 2015 and other sections with a view to reflecting moral standards and provide stiffer penalties for erring producers of films and videos that are considered obscene whether or not age specification is attached to it.

The prime mover of the motion, the Leader of the House, Hon Sanai Agunbiade pointed out that there was need for proper monitoring of whatever come out from the television screen.

He berated the churning out of obscenity, vulgar languages, scene of violence, saying such vogue negate  Africa tradition, which according to him, seems to be the order of the day.

He believes such contents have damaging effects on the culture and tradition of the people.

In his contribution, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu, stated that though most films are educative but youths are going wayward and lot of homes are being destroyed due to lots of obscene and immorals displayed on television screen.

He stated if the law eventually passed, any defaulter should be penalized.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph stressed the need to ensure good and quality films that would  teach morals be promoted, adding that such should be brought back to the screen as it was in ancient days.