The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused the international cable television provider, GOTV, of promoting Christian content at the expense of Muslim viewers in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Friday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, condemned the airing of a Christian televangelism programme, Faith, on GOTV’s main channel.
Professor Akintola described the move as “offensive, nauseating, and denigrating” to Muslims across the country.
According to MURIC, Faith, which features Christian sermons and religious teachings, now occupies the first channel viewers see when they turn on their televisions.
This, they argue, amounts to “religious apartheid,” forcing Muslim viewers to watch Christian content by default.
MURIC insists that GOTV’s decision infringes on the religious rights of Muslim subscribers.
“The move is divisive and unjust,” the group declared, adding that it violates the freedom of choice for viewers who should not be subjected to content against their beliefs.
Demands for Immediate Action
MURIC has issued a one-week ultimatum to GOTV to address their concerns.
The group demanded that the Faith programme be moved to a less prominent channel.
They also called for the restoration of the default setting, where the last channel watched is what viewers see when they turn on their TVs.
Failure to comply by December 9, 2024, may result in peaceful protests and a call for Muslims to unsubscribe from GOTV.
“We have the right to reject a service provider that disrespects our faith,” Akintola stated emphatically.
Call for Patience and Peace
In the same statement, MURIC urged Muslims to remain calm and avoid any acts of violence.
“Muslims should continue to exercise patience and remain peaceful,” the group advised.
Akintola cautioned against giving in to provocation or engaging in unlawful actions.
“Nigerians are already going through enough stress,” he added. “GOTV has no right to escalate tension in the country.”
A Broader Debate on Religious Sensitivity
The controversy has sparked conversations about religious sensitivity in Nigeria’s media landscape.
Nigeria, a religiously diverse nation, has often grappled with tensions between its Muslim and Christian populations.
Many observers believe media platforms have a responsibility to ensure fairness and neutrality in programming.
GOTV is yet to officially respond to MURIC’s demands.
However, industry analysts predict the company may review its programming strategy to avoid alienating subscribers.
GOTV’s Role in Nigerian Homes
As one of the leading cable TV providers in Nigeria, GOTV plays a significant role in the daily lives of many families.
Its programming decisions, therefore, carry weight in shaping public perceptions and experiences.
Subscribers often rely on cable networks for entertainment, information, and spiritual content, making the choice of default channels particularly sensitive.
Public Reactions
The issue has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians.
Some viewers agree with MURIC, arguing that religious neutrality is essential for a diverse audience.
Others believe that viewers have the option to switch channels and should not feel compelled to watch any programme.
“This is about respect for all religions,” said one concerned viewer. “GOTV should cater to everyone.”
Another commentator, however, suggested that viewers could simply change the channel if they found the content inappropriate.
