Nigerians Tackle EFCC As Commission Warns Skit, Movie Producers Over Unauthorised Use of Agency’s Jackets, Symbols
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warmed content creators, movies and skit producers who use EFCC-branded Jackets, symbols, insignia and other accoutrements without authorization to desist from such acts.
The Commission declared the act illegal.
However, the warning contained in a statement signed by the Head of Media & Publicity at the EFCC, Wilson Uwujare, did not go down well with many Nigerians on twitter as they knocked the anti-graft agencies for focusing on symbolism at a time billions of naira were reportedly stolen by politicians without being prosecuted.
Nevertheless, the Commission had notified the public that the use of the EFCC brand in movies without authorization is illegal.
“While the Commission appreciate the desire by some operators in the creative sector to produce movies/skits with plots around economic and financial crimes, it is incumbent on such operators to seek the Commission’s authorization, including vetting of scenes which purport to depict the operations of the Commission, to ensure that false or misleading messages are not passed to the public.
“The Public Affairs Department of the Commission is adequately equipped to work with motion picture practitioners desirous of partnering with the Commission in using films and skits to educate the public, especially the youth on the dangers of economic and financial crimes.
“Anyone found acting contrary to this advisory shall henceforth be treated as an impersonator and dealt with accordingly”, the EFCC warned.
In their reactions, Nigerians insisted that it was a misplaced priority for the Commission to be releasing the threat after the police did same, accusing the EFCC of copying the police in that regard.
One of the comments reads “See what you’re getting worked up about. Symbolism. Meanwhile trillion Naira frauds everywhere. Please, Nigerians are suffering. Take your distractions somewhere else.”
Another replied to the EFCC, saying “The Commission shldn’t be bothered with vetting the creative industry that aims to reflect the society. Treating an individual who acts as an impersonator, I think is totally unfair. Rather, the Commission should watch how it is depicted to make corrections and improve it image.”
Yet in another reaction, a twitter user wrote, “Nigeria does so little in combating crime yet they warn everybody on the work of art. Do you guys not see FBI logos being worn by people? Do your work diligently, Nigerians will wear your Caps/logos proudly and pay for it as part of funding for EFCC and other Security Agencies.”
There were many unprintable reactions and one twitter user queried the EFCC saying, “when are you going to investigate Nigeria Air?”
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