By Olusegun Folarin

Media Practitioners and opinion leaders have been encouraged to desist from spreading misinformation and disinformation about the Shari’ah Arbitration Panel in the South West.

The coordinator, Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWG, Ogun State Chapter, Alhaji Kamal’deen Akintunde, made the appeal in a statement in Abeokuta.

Expressing concern over the inaccurate reporting of the Shari’ah Arbitration Panel, which he said was mistaken for a Shari’ah Court; Alhaji Akintunde noted that the misconception had led to the spread of hate speech and inflammatory statements against Muslims.

Describing Shari’ah Arbitration Panel as a voluntary initiative that resolves personal matters among Muslims, and had successfully settled several matrimonial cases and personal conflicts he urged media practitioners to provide accurate and balanced information about Islamic issues.

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria Coordinator also advocated education and training on religious reporting for journalism students, to enhance their understanding of diverse religions and prevent the spread of misinformation.

Alhaji Akintunde said there was the need for media practitioners and opinion leaders to promote cordial interfaith relations, mutual respect, and harmony, rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes and misinformation.

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