Last week, the National Media Commission (NMC) made an intervention in a feud between two radio stations in Kumasi following a complaint lodged with the agency by one of the aggrieved parties.
It was observed that after ordering a ceasing of exchange of vitriolic between the two by the NMC, one of them, the General Manager of Zuria FM, was asked to render an apology to the complainant, the CEO of Alpha Radio “for any misconceptions or miscommunication from the interview with Sheikh Abubakari, that gave the impression that Islam cannot tolerate any other religion, particularly Christianity.”
The subject has merited an editorial treatment because of its national security value as the preceding paragraphs unambiguously suggest.
According to the NMC’s statement, which captured the subject of the complainant and matters preceding it, some remarks bordering on religious intolerance were passed during a radio programme which for us, were unfortunate.
We are appalled that matters got to that level with nobody even noticing it let alone making overtures to calm the waters.
Remarks, especially, those made on the airwaves with the tendency to disrupt faith harmony, crossed the red line of national security and should be stopped forthwith.
It is not for us to delve into issues of adjudication or even apportioning blame in matters in which parties are aggrieved. It is, however, for us to support any effort by relevant agencies or even individuals towards protecting the peace of this country especially, as they bother on the peaceful coexistence between the Abrahamic faiths and others.
We observed the challenges encountered by the NMC as it delved into the matter considering the delicate subject matter and the need to be fair and yet robust.
The two radio stations, one a commercial-oriented one, and the other community based, must be watched to determine when each of them is stepping out of line as they touch on religious matters.
Now that it has been established, there was an instance of a cleric making pronouncements on air which did not inure to interfaith harmony in society, the relevant agencies should be vigilant and crack the whip when it is necessary.
The peace of this country must be protected by all means and the responsibility of this task behooves us all.
Elders, opinion leaders and clergy of the Islamic faith in the country especially Kumasi, should be mindful about the programmes churned out by the two radio stations and others to isolate issues which can pose challenges to national security.
Remarks or activities which espouse faith intolerance should be clobbered without hesitation.
The whip must be cracked when it is necessary to do so regardless of whose ox is gored.