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MRA Condemns
Threats to the lives of ThisDay Reporters
LAGOS, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2002:
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) uses this medium to condemn the
recent threat on the lives of some journalists on the staff of ThisDay
newspaper by a group which goes by the name Movement Against Attack on
Prophet Mohammed (MAAPM).
According to letters, dated November 28, 2002, and
addressed to the editor of the newspaper and 16 other journalists, the
group threatened to attack some ‘Christian Reporters’ over a publication
by the newspaper allegedly responsible for the recent riots in Kaduna.
The group alleged that the “Christian” reporters conspired with Isioma
Daniel, writer of the article considered blasphemous by some Moslems.
The riots that followed the publication in Kaduna and Abuja
claimed over 250 lives and property worth millions of naira, which led to
the cancellation of Miss World contest in Nigeria.
In the letter to the editor of ThisDay and the
reporters, MAAPM wrote: “Sequel to the disappearance of Isioma Daniel who
launched an irresponsible attack on our Prophet Mohammed in your recent
publication after the declaration of Fatwa on her, MAAPM hereby
used this opportunity to inform you officially of an imminent attack which
is inevitable on Christian reporters, who conspired with the
aforementioned Isioma Daniel to bring down and blaspheme our Prophet
Mohammed in pursuit of the Christian agenda, which is ridiculous and
degrading to the Moslem community.
“Arrangement has been made to launch attack on the
following reporter (sic) who we consider (sic) as accomplices to the
offence committed by the lady who fronts for them. It will take the form
of beheading and amputation to replace the sentenced Isioma Daniel. They
are:
Victor Ifijeh, Yemisi Ezekiel, Chris Anucha, Mary Ekah,
Josephine Lohor, Emmanuel Efeni, Isaac Namo, Joseph Ushigiale, Boluwaji
Ikumawoyi, Samuel Ajayi, Abimbola Akosile, Patrick Ujeh, Jide Orintunsin,
Samuel Famakinwa, Chris Nwachukwu and Simon Kolawole”.
The letter said further: “We use this medium to inform you
that no apology can rectify the damage that has already been done and
retaliation is unavoidable and it will happen at the premises of
ThisDay”.
“Also, be informed that the policemen that are stationed at
the office since we inform (sic) you of our preparation cannot and will
not stop us from carrying out the Jihad.
“We beg our Moslem brothers and sisters to keep calm as we
will not do anything to disappoint them”.
The threat letter was signed by the secretary Ustaz
Alsheriff Azeez of the group which head quarters’ address reads “Plot 30
Mohammadu Buhari Road, Kano” and Lagos branch office as “27B Kareem Ikotun
Street, Egbeda, Lagos”.
Although officers of ThisDay confirmed that the
Lagos police authorities have assured adequate protection for its men and
offices, we find it difficult to imagine that the authority is not
treating the issue with the dispatch that it demands. This is indicated
by the absence of policemen at the premises of the newspaper when MRA
visited on December 09, 2002.
MRA wishes to note that it finds it most distasteful that
some persons will remain deaf to the delude of apologies issued so far by
ThisDay newspapers and many well meaning groups and persons over
the incident and are still bent on perpetrating gross illegalities hiding
under religious zealotry.
MRA wishes to say that the writers of the threat letters
are better advised to call off their unwholesome plans and let by gone be
bye gone.
For further information, please contact:
Ayode Longe
Programme Officer
Tesl: 01-4936033, 01-4936034, 01-4819162
Fax: 01-4930831
E-mail: pubs@mediarightsagenda.org
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