The AIT, Arise TV, PUNCH Newspapers are being condemned over attempted smear on Sultan, Muslim leadership image.
Some Muslim individuals have joined in the condemnation of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and others, over their seemingly calculated attempt to smear the name of symbol of the Nigeria Muslim Ummah and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, in a news broadcast tagged with question, “Did the Sultan of Sokoto snub Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu?”
This followed a press statement distributed and published in the media dated Sunday, 12 September, 2021 and issued by a media and publicity consultant, Prince Bashir Adefaka, who reacted, on behalf of some Concerned Muslims, to what he described as mischievous video broadcast by the AIT.
A keen observer, whose name was not to be mentioned, further defended the Sultan against the antics of purveyors of the twisted gestures.
He said: “From Sanwo -Olu angle, it’s like a conversation pose and gesture. Note that if it’s for handshake he won’t face camera directly.
“Secondly, note that there’s no crowd around them unlike the previous two. It is obvious this is private or personal pose that indicates Sanwo-Olu gesturing the camera man to capture him with the sultan.
“My speculation is that the sultan and Sanwo- Olu had already had an hand shake which was not captured in motion. But this third pose or pic looks like one for still camera.
“Third handshake is not offered at chest or face level but at abdomen or navel level,” he said.
Managing Editor and CEO, of the PEACE Magazine, Alhaji Abdulfattah Abdulsalam, in his reaction, also said:
“Is it the only thing they have to report at that event? It is hatred for Islam and Muslims. The video does not reflect snub, the Governor was talking to him. Or asking a question. Why would the Sultan snub him in the first instance?” He asked.
In the same vein, the National Coordinator, Muslim Media Watch Group, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, said:
“It is unfortunate that AIT and ARISE TV are getting notorious for anti-Islamic reportage aimed at maligning the integrity of the Muslim Ummah.
“They would continue to fail as they always create unfriendly relationship between Muslims and others.
“They are gradually losing confidence of the people as their negative reports usually turn to be hoax! Eventually, they run several apologies on their stations after wilfully damaging their own image!
“Shame on them and their sponsors. Nigeria shall remain united Insha Allah, irrespective of negative and unprofessional reportage of AIT and its collaborators!”