The Ta'awunu Human Rights Initiative has issued a cautionary message to skit makers, urging them to refrain from pranks that target innocent citizens, particularly vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and ailing. The group also emphasizes the importance of respecting Islamic ethics and values in skit content.
In a statement released by THURIST-Nigeria's Director General, Sulaymon Tadese, the alarming trend of compromising human morality and dignity in the pursuit of attention-grabbing skits is highlighted. The recent viral video depicting a threat to the life of a veiled woman serves as an example of the potential dangers posed by skit makers.
The statement reads; “The rate at which morality and dignity of humans is being dragged in the mud in the name of skit making is alarming and needs to be properly and promptly addressed to forestall any unwarranted consequences that may arise therefrom.
“Skit makers have now made anyone a cast in shooting skit to gain netizens’ attention at the expense of the inconvenience of innocent citizens, passers-by, unsuspecting job seekers, aged and ailing people anywhere and at any time.
“It is important to state that the recent threat to the life of a veiled woman in a recent viral video is one of the many threats and dangers skit makers expose innocent citizens to in the name of Skit making.
“How do you explain a sane person pranking a woman dressed in a dignified religious garb as in the case of Niqob lady in the viral video and her attending reaction in the name of skit making? Isn’t that an indication that there are no regulations governing the act of skit-making in this country?
Furthermore, THURIST calls upon the government to implement measures to regulate social media and the skit-making industry to ensure law and order are maintained. The reported arrest of the individual involved in the viral video serves as a reminder to other skit makers regarding the potential consequences of their actions.
By urging sensitivity, respect, and regulation, the Ta'awunu Human Rights Initiative aims to foster a responsible skit-making culture that upholds moral values and safeguards the well-being of all individuals involved.
