Broadcaster, Ordinary President Apologises For Slapping Woman Accused Of Setting Minor’s Head On Fire
Ahmed Isah, host of a magazine radio programme, Brekete Family, has apologised for slapping a lady accused of setting a minor’s head on fire.
The human rights activist popularly known as ‘Ordinary President’, was seen in a vita BBC video slapping a lady who was accused of setting her niece’s head ablaze over an allegation of witchcraft.
The assault came to light in a BBC documentary that has generated much controversy since it went live and widely reported as “BBC unmasks the true face of ‘ordinary president’”.
In the undercover investigation video, BBC Reporter Peter Nkanga spent one-month filming with Ahmed Isah at his Human Rights Radio and TV studios in the capital city Abuja uncovers another side to the popular Radio/TV host.
Even though the reporter said he witnessed firsthand the huge impact of Ahmed’s work on the lives of many ordinary Nigerians, “his often-controversial methods raise serious questions.”
The about thirty minute’s video revealed how the ‘Ordinary President’ violates the rights of some persons brought before him for investigation, including the case of a woman that was physically assaulted on camera by Isa.
Although, the video showed the graphic image of a six-year-old girl with severe burns, who received funding for much-needed hospital treatment after appearing on his show it also showed how Ahmedstruck an interviewee across the face on camera.
Following backlash over his action, Isah on Wednesday morning while speaking on the incident on the show apologised for his action.
The journalist appealed to his listeners within Nigeria and beyond to forgive him of such action, saying his reaction was due to the level of injury and pain suffered by the six-year old girl who was brought to his office.
According to him, he was triggered and got emotional after seeing the pain the young girl was passing through.
The activist appealed for forgiveness from those who were disappointed by his action, adding that he is bound to make mistakes as a human being.
Isah expressed;
I apologise to everyone that I have offended in one way or the other. Please, I’m a human being and bound to make mistakes.
I was triggered by the zeal and passion in me. As a human being, even computers tend to malfunction, there is blood flowing in my veins, I tend to get emotional sometimes.
Whenever I do anything out-of-control on the basis of emotions, I always apologise when I realise it and correct the mistakes. For those disappointed in me, please forgive me. For those I have offended, please find a place in your heart to forgive me. I’m only but a human being.
He further explained;
After three months…when they saw that police did not arrest the aunty…they came to me. They brought her in the evening after I have treated 200 cases. When they brought her, she was not remorseful. That was why I slapped her and I am very sorry for what I did. People wanted to beat her but I stopped them.
He also accused BBC and its reporter, Peter, of editing the video to suit the aim of his detractors, alleged that BBC removed the part where people almost lynched the accused lady but for his intervention.
Isah said the BBC documentary was sponsored against him by some persons, including government officials.
He stated;
The video people see was edited by the BBC. Me as a father, I am not proud of what I did. As a human being, I have special attachment to children. I made mistake when I slapped her, I immediately regretted what I did.
I am not competing against anybody, even though I know that sometimes I really overdo things. I begged Journalists to delete the video where I slapped her.
The mother of the affected child also spoke on the program.
She thanked Isah for coming to the rescue of her daughter, including paying her medical bills and waved aside the issue of Isah slapping the said aunt.
