The member representing Surulere Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot, has incurred the wrath of some Nigerians by calling for a ban on foreign movies in Nigeria.
He compared such ban to the ban on the importation of rice, saying it would help develop the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Elliot said, “Secondly, they need to consciously and intentionally focus on improving this industry. Treat it like you’re importing rice… You ban all foreign content, make it difficult for all foreign content to come in, so your local content can grow.
“And then, you need to support (financially) the music industry, you need to support the film industry… even the comic industry as well…”
However, many Nigerians said such trade protectionism would not help Nollywood as being prescribed by Elliot.
Read reactions below:
https://twitter.com/ChidubemNJ/status/1153291206618755072
How does banning foreign movies improve the miserable condition of Nigeria. How is this even an issue.
Why do we keep chasing shadows in this country. So many misplaced priorities.
To think I even rated Desmond Elliot as one of the sensible celebrities🤦🏾
— The Prototype🕊🐾 (@Nonsoikechukwu1) July 22, 2019
I argued that its impossible for Desmond Elliot to say BS till I saw it. Banning foreign content in entertainment? To treat it like RICE?? And why that fake accent sounding like Pinky in Pinky& the Brain? Did India ban to grow bollywood? Did we ban to export Wizkid? Olodo rabata! pic.twitter.com/un5j3vd8U8
— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) July 22, 2019
Desmond Elliot said Nigeria should ban foreign movies.This country always chases after trivial issues, how does banning foreign movies help Nigeria??. Seems once you become a politician in dis country you automatically become dumb.
— MONARCH (@kings_krypt) July 22, 2019
So Desmond Elliot, this is the kind of rubbish you were contributing in the Lagos State House of Assembly?https://t.co/jpYy6ZgS5P
— Comrade Ola Samuel 🇳🇬 (@realpsalmie7) July 22, 2019
Lol, and I used to respect Desmond Elliot oh.
They should ban Avengers so that I'll be watching
"Daddy Chioma, why did you impregnate my sister?"
— Femi Uche🐐 (@iamspreado) July 22, 2019
Desmond Elliot, I think we should ban all foreign stuffs so you and I can go to our villages to start afresh.
Bode Thomas
— Omo Adewale (@ademola_solade) July 22, 2019
Dear Desmond Elliot, the ban you are proposing will be of greater disadvantage to the struggling youths and citizens of Nigeria. Please advocate for stronger copyright laws
Signed: Street Chairman pic.twitter.com/wR4O5rWnH8
— Akwa Ibom Street Chairman (@1stSarmie) July 22, 2019
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