The Ta’awunu Human Rights Initiative has issued a cautionary message to skit makers, advising them against engaging in pranks that target innocent citizens, passers-by, as well as elderly and sick individuals.
In an official statement released on Friday and signed by the Director General of THURIST-Nigeria, Sulaymon Tadese, the organization also warned skit makers against mocking or disrespecting Islamic ethics and values.
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?
THURIST further urges the public, skit makers, and aspiring skit makers to refrain from pranking or creating skits that target innocent citizens, particularly women who wear veils. They state that these individuals should be treated with respect due to their distinguished and exceptional appearance.
Furthermore, the group has urged the government to implement regulations on social media and skit-making in order to prevent the disruption of law and order.
The group emphasized that the unverified reports of the arrest of the individual featured in the viral video should serve as a cautionary message to other skit makers.
