Tobi Adebayo
Journalist Ahmad Isah a.k.a Ordinary President of Brekete Radio has apologised for assaulting an interviewee who burnt the head of her six-year-old relative.
In a series of tweets on Friday, the human rights activist gave a more detailed background story of the incident and explained why he assaulted the unnamed interviewee.
Ordinary President revealed further that the 6-year-old victim was scheduled to undergo a skin grafting surgery, which he had paid for.
“I want to appreciate the Brekete Family members. I also want to appreciate other Nigerians and other nationals for standing by me during these trying times. I made a mistake and I am sorry.
“I also want to register my disappointment in myself for losing my temper by slapping that lady. She doesn’t deserve it from me…as I am not a judge on the matter.
“I was shocked when they brought a little 6-year-old girl before me. The injury as a result of the burn on her was so bad water and flies were all around her. I broke down and cried for that little girl.
“But what made me act stupidly was when I was told what happened, how it happened…and her response and body language suggested she was not remorseful. I am sorry I slapped her.
“But how can someone who is related by blood, tie a 6-year-old girl (hand and foot). Ask her daughter for kerosene and matches. Poured the kerosene on her and lit the match. Men and other adults were crying but this lady stood soulless…as she accused her of being a witch.
“The neighbor who was a pastor knocked and struggled to open the door. He rescued her. Brought her to us….after trying for 3 months to help her. God bless this kind neighbor
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“When we took the six-year-old girl to Garki Hospital, the crowd were crying…asking for the lady that did this to that little girl. To avoid lynching, my crew refused to reveal the identity of the woman to anyone. But we expected her to show a little remorse.
“For those that do not understand. The little girl had maggots and puss on her head when she was brought to us. The image you all saw on social media was after four surgeries in Garki Hospital. I have paid for skin grafting. Hopefully, she will be better.
“This incident did not happen on set. It happened in the evening. But it was documented. BBC, Aljazeera and many other international and local media houses have always been present during studio and off studio hours. I reacted as a father and I am very sorry.
“I imagined the little girl was Zara, and someone tied her like a goat. Lit a match after pouring kerosene for maximum damage. I looked at the woman who did this and the lack of remorse in her face and body language. I lost my temper despite the media presence.
“But it is not enough to slap a woman. This is why I am apologising to everyone that feels offended. I am also sorry to the people asking for my head and the ones defending it. Above all, I AM SORRY TO MY WIFE AND KIDS. I am sorry they had to see what they have never seen before,” Ordinary President tweeted.
