The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Thursday evening issued a disclaimer notice on an agency of Lagos State.

In a statement signed by the president, Pretty Okafor, the umbrella body of Nigerian musicians said it has nothing to do with a recent publication by the executive secretary of Lagos State Films and Videos Censors Board (LSFVCB), Bamidele Balogun, demanding five per cent levy from all audio and visual contents produced and sold within Lagos State.

According to PMAN, LSFVCB lacks the authority to impose tax and levy on citizens. Its powers and functions are limited to censoring and rating of films and cinemas produced and exhibited within the state.

“LSFVCB cannot operate in a way to conflict with National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB) set up and mandated under the Act of the National Assembly,” the statement stated.

The statement further said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of PMAN finds this extremely disturbing, that the censorship board, a governmental organisation, will associate itself with such illegality. PMAN will not support any scheme that seeks to illegally exploit and defraud musicians and content owners of their royalties.

“PMAN members and the general public are hereby put on notice to refrain from participating in this questionable and illegal activity as the perpetrators within and outside the LSFVCB will be held accountable for publishing false information and fake news about PMAN’s involvement.”

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