Court Bans Wearing Of Hijab In Public Schools; Muslim Women Protest

 

 A Lagos high court banning the use of hijab (muslim head-scarf) in public schools in Lagos State recently. Justice Modupe Onyeabor of the Ikeja High Court, upheld the ban a some weeks ago and now muslim women refuse the ban.

 

Describing the judgement as a 'rape' of the constitution, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has frowned at the judgment said it would affect the secular nature of Lagos State. They said it is an infringement of their rights. MSSN President, Alhaji Kaamil Kalejaiye in a statement said the judge neglected and rejected numerous arguments presented to her, during the two-year old case, adding that some sections of the Nigerian constitution and international laws guaranteed the freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience.

 

Kalejaiye said: “It is unfair that the judgement denied us a right that is not only Godly but constitutionally stated. Do we call that a misinterpretation of the constitution or rape of the code of law. President of the women’s wing of the group, Hajia Hafsah Badru, said since the secularity of the states that granted it was not disturbed, there was no basis for that to be a cause for denying the constitution to take its stand. As at today, the MSSN has filed a suit against the government.

 

THe Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has also expressed worry over the ruling. A release by FOMWAN’s National Amirah (President), Hajia A. B. Omoti, said the court ruling had upset the Muslim community in the state and, indeed, the entire country as evidenced by the series of protests, agitations and press conferences by various Muslim groups.

 

“Islam, without gainsaying, is both a religion and a way of life for adherents. Hijab is a covering for Muslim women and girls, the wearing of which is an injunction of Allah, aimed at protecting the vulnerability of women in the society. Hijab is also a form of dressing by which female Muslims manifest profession and practice of their faith," the release said. "The Nigerian Constitution, section 38(B), recognises the fundamental right of citizens to adhere to and practice their religion. It is in recognition of this fundamental right that the Federal Government, in its wisdom, prescribed a dress code for the Muslim girl in the unity schools throughout the country.”