The Coalition for Global Peace (CGP), a multi-stakeholder peace advocacy group,has expressed concerns over the snippets of a movie posted on Instagram by Ms Nancy Isime, an actor and film producer, where hijab and niqab, Islamic modes of dressing for women, were adorned by characters in a robbery scene.

In a statement,the CGP explained that The negative portrayal of Muslim women and their religious symbols is distasteful and condemnable.

According to the statement by the Lead Facilitator, Tajudeen Alabede, the insensitive Instagram post stirred the hornet’s nest as the public space has witnessed a deluge of reactions from Muslims and other critical stakeholders.

It further stressed that the explanation offered by Ms Bolanle Ayo, one of the movie’s producers, that _“this is just a disguise costume for characterisation”_ is a lame afterthought.

“The Coalition is miffed by the display of a lack of social awareness about the peculiar nature of Nigeria’s cultural diversity by Ms Isime and the movie’s producers”

It further stated that the insensitivity betrayed a gross disrespect for their diverse audiences, many of whom may be Muslim women in hijab and niqab, adding that their action is a deliberate attempt to court controversy and gain a moment of infamy that may echo into eternity.

The Coalition for Global Peace (CGP) however reminded Ms Isime and the producers of the movie that film is a powerful, double-edged cultural tool, a misuse of which may precipitate unintended negative consequences.

“For professionals in the culture sector, a special attention to cultural awareness and self-regulation is imperative”

The Coalition for Global Peace, therefore, called on Ms Nancy Isime and the producers of the movie to tender a public apology to Muslims and retract all materials related to the offensive content from the internet.

“We equally urge the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), as the gatekeeper for the film industry in Nigeria, to place a ban on the movie until the needful is done”

The Coalition appeals to stakeholders in the culture sector to be mindful of the potential impact of their works on religious harmony in the country. Their creative outputs should respect and celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity.