Members of Muslim Youths in Da’wah on
Tuesday had a peaceful protest at the
headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps
in Abuja against the ban on the use of hijab by
female Muslim corps members, especially during
orientation camps.
However the Director-General of the NYSC,
Brigadier-General, Johnson Olawumi, insisted on
the ban, saying it was “for security reasons” and
will not be lifted.
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.
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.
“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 still being
investigated.
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.”
Punch
.jpg)
