Asabe Muktar
8 January 2009
opinion
The United States of America is unarguably one of the virile democracies of the world, a respecter of the rule of law, protector of human rights (whatever that means), respecter of a constituted authority, a promoter of good governance and above all a mini-world where all races are ably represented.
As a stakeholder in the film industry in Kano State, my attention is drawn to the biased relationship between the U.S. Embassy and some of our colleagues in the industry. I know the embassy would not in any way, under Ms Robin Sanders, the American Ambassador to Nigeria, help in promoting disrespectful attitudes towards constituted authority and the rule of law. This is of course the last thing the U.S. Embassy could do, as far as my understanding of this nation is concerned. Let me quickly drive my point home.
The Kano State Censorship Board Law was enacted in 2001. With the existence of this law it simply means that all those whose works or activities have something to do with the board need to comply with the provisions of the law. And any negation of that could attract penalty.
Iyan Tama Multimedia Ltd., a production company in Kano has been operating for about two decades without any form of registration, either at the state or federal level. A few months back, Alhaji Hamisu Iyan Tama was charged to court by the Kano State Censorship Board, for, among other things, running unregistered production company, which contravenes the State Censorship Board law.
The law establishing the Board did not emanate from the sky. It has a strong backing of section 16, sub-section (a) and (b), of the 1999 Amended Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria. The provision of the constitution reads thus: "G. Exhibition of Cinematograph films.
The National Assembly may make laws for the establishment of an authority with power to carry out censorship or cinematograph films and to prohibit or restrict the exhibition of such films; and nothing herein shall: (a) preclude a House of Assembly from making provision for a similar authority for that state; or (b) authorize the exhibition of a cinematograph film in a state without the sanction of the authority established by the law of that state for the censorship of such films.
There are requirements of the Board's law in Kano State for establishing a production company. They are: (a) There should be an office accommodation for any production company, for it to be easily located. Not an invisible location, as it has been the practice in some quarters of the film industry in Kano. (b) There should be at least a one computer operating system. (c) A presentation of tax clearance of at least three years before a company gets registered. (Only a tax evader can abhor this). (d) Introduction letter from the local government authority, where such company is operating. (e) Above all, it is mandatory for any potential company to bring to the Board a certificate of incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) - a federal body - before the process of registration of any company begins.
So what is wrong if the Censorship Board insists that all stakeholders should comply with the provision of the law that establishes it? It is like some people get joy and happiness in breaking laws. Such kind of people should not be embraced by the states as darlings.
I discussed thoroughly with other people who have great confidence in the U.S. policy, especially as it affects democracy, respect for the rule of law and respect for other cultures, but we were (and still are) all surprised why is the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, promoting somebody who has no regard for the constituted authorities and the rule of law? I went ahead to verify whether Iyan Tama registered with the Federal body, that is Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Lest I forget, Iyan Tama was charged to court with Sani Mu'azu of LENSCOPE MEDIA SERVICES LTD. Though Sani Mu'azu was also charged for not registering with the State Censorship Board, he registered with CAC. My interest in the whole show prompted me to go and verify whether Iyan Tama did not register with the CAC and whether Sani Mu'azu registered. I applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission with the names of the two companies, i.e. IYAN TAMA MULTI MEDIA LTD and LENSCOPE MEDIA SERVICES LTD. As it is normally done the names would go for "Availability check and Reservation of Name" at the CAC office. The following information followed my applications:
1. LENSCOPE MEDIA SERVICES LTD, a Notice of Denial was sent from the CAC. And the following information/message was given: "The CAC regrets to inform you that it was unable to approve any of the names submitted for approval. Date of Search: 22/5/2008 Serial Number: 1394530 First Preference: LENSCOPE MEDIA SERVICES LTD Second Preference: Third Preference: Submitted by: Nasiru M. Ahmed Comments: LENSCOPE, MEDIA SERVICES LTD. (R#276909)
This shows that Sani Mu'azu's LENSCOPE is duly registered with the CAC. But then that does not give him a license to operate in Kano without registering with the State Censorship Board.
2. IYAN TAMA MULTI MEDIA LTD, a letter/notice form from the CAC was sent with the following as content: "The CAC is pleased to inform you that one of your requested names has been approved and will be reserved for 60 days. Approved Name: IYAN TAMA MULTI MEDIA LTD. Serial Number: 1394473 Reserved Until: 25/7/2008. Approved By: Oyindamola Daramola. Submitted By: Ibrahim Adamu. "So Hamisu Iyan Tama did not register with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The question remains why is he still a darling to the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria? Is the embassy encouraging him or discouraging him to be a law abiding citizen? Did not the embassy have his dossier before romancing with him? Is this not denting the image of the embassy? Why a u-turn on civility and self-respect?
Another critical point of concern for me is the sponsorship of a film produced by the Iyan Tama Multi Media Production Company, called 'TSINTSIYA' or The Broom by the U.S. Embassy. The title was fantastic and the theme. The film has already been released. And you can find it in Kano markets. But the most unfortunate thing is, the film was not censored and registered by the Kano State Censorship Board. And this action contravenes the law that establishes the board.
I do not like to see U.S. Embassy being meddled. The embassy is carelessly promoting this producer both at the local and international arena. He was just back from the US, where he attended American Film Festival, with his uncensored film TSINTSIYA. Serious!
Finally I must call the attention of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria that they should be cautious in putting themselves in things they do not have clearer picture.
Asabe wrote from Yakasai Quarters, Kano City.
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