The Muslim Students’
Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit has asked the leadership of All
Progressives Congress, APC, to caution Governor Babatunde Fashola over his
clampdown on Islam and Muslims in the state.
The group said this in a
press statement signed by its President, Kaamil Kalejaiye ahead of the
judgement expected to be delivered by Justice Grace Modupe Onyeabo, on whether
or not the use of Hijab (Muslim head-scarf) should be allowed by female Muslim
students.
Justice Onyeabo after hearing
both the complainant (MSSN) and defendants (Lagos State Government) adjourned
the matter for the final judgment.
The pronouncement to give the
final judgment came after the case was adjourned for about five times, most of
which came on applications by the government’s counsel.
It would be recalled that the
Lagos State Government banned the use of Hijab on the argument that it was not
part of the approved school uniform for students.
Following that, MSSN
proceeded to court to seek redress and protect Muslim females from being
flogged, embarrassed, and victimised for using Hijab within and outside school
premises.
While emphasizing that Hijab
was not only religiously compulsory but constitutional, Kassim said, “Hijab,
is Allah’s injunction as stated in the Holy Quran, as well as a
fundamental rights as fully established in the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
“We are not demanding for a full lent Hijab, we have
exhibited a photograph of a sample of Hijab, which still represents their
school identity. The colour of the Hijab can conform to the school uniform. All
we want is for the students to be allowed to use Hijab. If beret and caps are
allowed for female students, Hijab shouldn’t be an exemption.”
Kalejaiye said the governor
was labelled bad example of a Muslim due to his stamping measures on Islam.
“Governor Fashola has disappointed a lot of Muslims in
Lagos State, firstly with his decision to demolish the mosque within the
premises of Lagos State Government Secretariat, when even the Presidential
Villa and National Assembly in Abuja have mosques. He went further to appoint
all the six state’s Education District Head (Permanent Secretaries)
without considering at least a Muslim as against previous appointments, whereas
there are many qualified Muslims for the job. Now he has deliberately trampled
upon our citizenry rights by denying Muslim female students the freedom of
dressing”, he added.
He expressed worry that the
group had to seek redress in court for a right that has been clearly stated in
the constitution.
He said, “We
cannot afford to see our Muslimahs dress naked. Silence of Muslims must not be
taken as a weakness; it is just our own way of respecting leadership as taught
by our religion. But when silence no longer becomes golden, then we must seek
redress. Hijab is an apparel of honour, a garment of modesty and a shield
against immorality. It is our pride. It is our dignity.
“Nigeria’s constitution grants
Freedom of Religion, Conscience and Expression. It states clearly the rights to
wear anything one feels comfortable with, so far as it is neither provocative
nor irresponsible. We are neither seeking for a favour nor asking for a
privilege; we are simply demanding our rights. It is important to note here
that Hijab has been granted by Muslim minority states, how much more Lagos
State with Muslim majority.”
Also, the Amirah (Female
President) of the students-based society, Hajia Hafsah Badru added, “It
also important to note that we are not calling for the Hijab to be compelled on
students, our demand is simply: permit Hijab and discriminate not against nor
victimize the Hijabites. The issue of Islamising Lagos schools does not hold
any ground since the mode of dressing in all government schools is already
Christian (School uniform with beret for females and short for males as against
Hijab and trousers for Muslims).
“Leaders of Fashola’s party should better
call him and his aides to order or else we won’t
go back on our decision come 2015, NO HIJAB NO VOTE”,
she added.
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