An Ibadan, Oyo State based radio station, Inspiration 100.5FM has apologised to the Muslim community over derogatory remarks made on its Yoruba-Christian programme, ‘Olufe Otito’ about Eid-al-Adha, Muslims’ festival of sacrifice.
The State General Manager, Mrs Olufunmilayo Olasogbo, in a signed press statement, described the action of the presenter (name not disclosed) of the programme, as an “irresponsible behaviour”.
Muslim News had earlier reported that the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, MMPN, Oyo State Chapter petitioned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), calling for the radio station to be sanctioned for attacking Islam and the Muslims through the controversial programme.
In a swift response, the regulatory body, through its Zonal Coordinator, Mr Raphael Akpan, acknowledged the receipt of the petition, and instructed Inspiration FM management to “give its own side of the story and why sanction shouldn’t be meted on it.”
The GM of the Station replied by saying, “I write on behalf of Inspiration FM to officially tender our sincere apology for the irresponsible behaviour of the presenter of Olufe Otito,” adding, “It came as a shock that he (the presenter) would do such (denigrate Islamic festival) on a live programme on our Station.
Mrs Olasogbo confirmed that the controversial programme has been suspended until the presenter sticks to his submitted synopsis.
The proactive step of the Muslim media body within 48 hours has been praised by the Muslim community.
Ustadh Rasheed Haashim, who teaches at Muflihun High School, Ibadan, saluted the wisdom of the leadership of the MMPN for taking up the case against a Christian religious bigot and fanatic who attempted to disparage Islam on Inspiration FM.
“Muslims will not tolerate your religious bigotry and fanaticism anymore,” he added.
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The pragmatic action of MMPN yielded positive results. I call on the MMPN to stretch its wings to all parts of the country to deal with such christian bigots and fanatics who have no respect to other religion.