The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, has raised serious concerns over the programming policies of the international cable television network, GOTV. The group alleges that the network is imposing Christian televangelism on its Muslim viewers in Nigeria, a move they describe as discriminatory and provocative.
In a press release signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC called for the immediate removal of the “Faith” channel from GOTV’s default first position. The organization argued that this programming decision is offensive and infringes on the rights of Muslims to freely choose their preferred content.
“The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has received a deluge of complaints from Nigerian Muslims in recent weeks regarding GOTV’s decision to prioritize the Christian televangelism program, Faith, on its first channel. Previously, this channel featured advertisements for various programs across the platform. Now, it exclusively broadcasts Faith, compelling subscribers to view Christian content immediately upon turning on their television sets,” MURIC stated.
The organization likened the practice to religious imposition, describing it as “an abuse of privilege by GOTV,” and accused the service provider of neglecting the sensitivities of its Muslim customers. MURIC further emphasized that such actions undermine the rights of Muslims in a country where Islam constitutes a significant demographic.
MURIC’s statement continued:
“By placing a Christian televangelism program on its prime channel, GOTV has positioned Christianity as its top priority while sidelining Islam. This amounts to religious apartheid and sends a message of inequality to Muslim viewers. Such disregard is unacceptable in a nation where Muslims form a major portion of the population.”
The group issued a seven-day ultimatum, beginning on December 2, 2024, demanding that GOTV revert the channel to its previous function or relocate Faith to another slot. Failure to comply, they warned, could lead to widespread cancellations of GOTV subscriptions among Muslims and other lawful actions.
MURIC also urged Nigerian Muslims to remain calm and law-abiding while the issue is addressed. The organization highlighted the importance of peaceful advocacy, reassuring Muslims that their grievances would be resolved through legitimate and constitutional means.
“GOTV must respect the faith and preferences of all its customers. Restoring the option for subscribers to automatically return to the last-viewed channel upon switching on their television sets is a simple yet vital adjustment that can prevent unnecessary tensions,” the statement concluded.
As of now, GOTV has not issued a public response to MURIC’s claims. The situation highlights ongoing debates in Nigeria about balancing religious diversity and representation in public and commercial spaces.
