A group of
Muslim youths under the aegis of Muslim Youths in Da’wah on Tuesday at
the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps in Abuja protested
against the ban on the use of hijab by female Muslim corps members,
especially during orientation camps.
But the
Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General, Johnson Olawumi,
insisted on the ban, saying it was “for security reasons.”
The
national coordinator of LMYiD, Luqman Hassan; and the Deputy
Coordinator, Kamarudeen Adefila, had told the NYSC DG that a major
protest by Muslims was averted because of the ban on hijab in most
orientation camps.
Hassan
told the DG, “We are here to discuss with you about the incident that
happened recently in various camps across the country. We have a guiding
principle which is based on the Holy Q’uran. We are all Nigerians and
the principle which guides us is the constitution and the African
Charter on Human rights.
“Members
of the NYSC are Nigerians who have contributed to the development of
this country; female corps members deserve protection by the NYSC. We
don’t believe that a female corps member putting on hijab has done any
wrong against the Act establishing the NYSC. So they deserve the respect
of the NYSC. We have travelled far and wide and visited different
camps. Why are the rights of female corps members being infringed upon.
We are here to register our displeasure.”
“Many
Muslim organisations wanted to protest, but we said wait a while. In
fact, we have to intervene to avoid the situation and if Muslims march
on the streets, it will attract a lot of negative comments, but people
won’t know why we are protesting,” Adefila had added.
In his
response, Olawumi said, “Under my leadership, the NYSC will accord
respect to every corps member, irrespective of tribe and religion. The
incident in Benue State was caused by the use of long hijab. The
security situation in the country is tough. There is the danger of
somebody using hijab for other reasons.
“There
have been cases where young girls put on hijab and eventually turn to
suicide bombers. Boko Haram members know how to get at whoever they want
as target. That is why we frown at the wearing of long hijab. Please
call on all your Muslim youths to be patient and adhere to it, just for a
short period during the camp. We frown at long hijab because of the
security implication.”
The NYSC DG expressed disappointment in the allegation by the visiting youths.
“Why are
you so particular on your alleged infraction on the rights of youths
without mentioning any one of such on Christian youths? Produce your
evidence, write to us and I can assure you that we will act fast. When
the incident in Benue State was reported to us, I swung into action and
ensured that the camp commandant was decamped immediately. We are not
magicians; if you have any evidence, write to us and we will not
hesitate to act.”
The NYSC Legal Adviser, Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, said the incident in Benue State was under investigation.
He said,
“I’m a Muslim and in our camps, I know that we have treated everybody
equally. You mentioned the fact that you would have proceeded to
protest. Very minor issues could trigger off mass protest.
“We will
see the way forward to this complaint. I can assure you that the issue
will not be swept under the carpet. The NYSC is very sensitive to the
issue of religion and immediately we heard of it, we swung into action
and we are on it because issues of religion are very sensitive.”
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