بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
MUSLIM
RIGHTS CONCERN (MURIC)
Motto: Dialogue, Not Violence
10th January, 2014
TEXT OF THE PRESS
CONFERENCE ON THE SITUATION IN OSUN STATE HELD AT HAYES HOTEL, 16, MOJEED
STREET, OFF TOYIN STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS, ON WEDNESDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY,
2014
LET THERE BE PEACE IN
THE STATE OF OSUN
Presidents and officers of Islamic
organizations, Distinguished personalities, Brothers and Sisters in Islam,
Great Muricians! Gentlemen of the Press.
There is no gainsaying the fact that Iwo town
in the state of Osun is a predominantly Muslim enclave. It is on record that female Muslim students
have been using hijab (head-covering) in public schools in Iwo town. This was
as a result of the desire of Muslim parents in the area. The state government
has never made any categorical statement on the permissibility or otherwise of
the use of hijab. In other words, government has not made any official policy
statement banning the use of hijab or approving it.
THE CRISIS IN BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL, IWO
It must be made clear, ab initio, that
the use of hijab by female Muslims is a religious obligation in which the user
or her parents have no other choice. We also note with satisfaction that
Section 38 (i) & (ii) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria guarantees not only freedom of religion but also freedom to manifest
and practice it.
It is against this background that we of the
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) are bewildered by the attitude of the authorities
of Baptist High School, Iwo, Osun State, to the subject-matter. Whereas other
schools which bear Christian names have been tolerant and liberal, Baptist High
School has consistently demonstrated a morbid fascination for depriving female
Muslim students of their Allah-given and fundamental right to use hijab.
This is in spite of the fact that the school
has an overwhelming Muslim population. The demographic data shows that the
total number of students in the school is 2,123. Of this number, Muslims are
69%, Christians 29% while others are 2%.
The number of female students is also 1,167 while male students are 956.
The school’s hostile attitude culminated in the
ugly events of Monday 3rd February, 2014 and that of Tuesday, 5th
February, 2014. In the Monday incident, three (3) students came to the school
wearing ‘celestial’ gowns, twelve (12) wore church choir dresses, twenty one
(21) put on tajia caps, two wore Baptist cassocks, seven in royal ambassador
garbs, five donned Yoruba caps, three wore Ifa beads while three put on Boys’
Brigade uniform. The following day, Tuesday, a masquerade entered the school
and caused great excitement though it ran away when the policemen who were
already drafted to the school tried to arrest him.
The State of Osun has, in the past three years,
witnessed unprecedented economic growth and moral rejuvenation. Youth
employment has given hope to the young indigenes. The concept of ‘omoluabi’ has
tremendously transformed the young generation while the humane policy of care
for the older citizens has injected a large dose of hope and great expectations
among a people long oppressed, a people over-worked, a people over-taxed but a
people under-paid.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is not interested in the personality of
the state governor. So we are not here to defend him. Neither are we here to
blow his trumpet or engage in sycophancy. We also need to emphasize the fact
that we are politics-blind. But as a
human rights organization and a member of civil society, we are interested in
good governance. All we are looking for in governance is performance and
pedigree. We have been vocal in criticizing bad governance everywhere in
Nigeria and objectivity demands that we encourage good governance when there is
one. This is the case with the present regime in the State of Osun. We have similar examples of good governance in Ondo,
Niger and Sokoto.
The performance of this government has jogged
our curiousity and we investigated its records. Through its Osun youth empowerment scheme
(OYES) 20,000 youths were employed for the first 100 days in office. It has
also pioneered the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme Technology (OYESTECH). In the Agriculture
Sector, it established the Agric Youth Academy, Osun Rural Empowerment Agric
Programme (O'REAP) and made soft loans available to farmers. In education, the
state has promoted functional education, organized an educational summit (2011),
introduced a new and dynamic educational policy which culminated into the
reclassification of schools, built new and standard classrooms, provided the
Tablet of knowledge (OPON IMO), free school uniforms and free meals in schools.
In infrastructure, the state has witnessed the
building of new roads and rehabilitation of others where necessary. Rivers have
also been channelized. Urban renewal scheme (O’HUB) has changed the aesthetics
of big cities. Others are monthly environmental sanitation (O’CLEAN), MKO
International Airport at Ido-Osun, three big ultra-modern markets, free train
ride from Lagos to Osogbo and back to Lagos during any festival, assistance to transporters,
launching of RLG Technology city for the production of phones and Laptops, launching
of Omoluabi garment Company, etc.
Gentlemen of the press, you will agree
with us that a government that is able to achieve all these within such a short
time should not be crucified. The Fourth Estate of the Realm should rise as one
to speak for the voiceless and persecuted government of Osun whose only crime
is that it has been long in achievement and transparency but short in
propaganda and impunity. The least that is expected of the citizens of
the State of Osun is to be law-abiding and to cooperate with the state
government as a mark of gratitude for its good works and the selflessness and
commitment of its unusual, exemplary and altruistic leadership. The recent
imbroglio in Iwo town therefore came as a surprise.
It is however clear to discerning minds that
what we are witnessing in Baptist High School is the voice of Jacob and the
hand of Esau. Ceteris paribus, students cannot, on their own, stage the
above hocus pocus. They were obviously playing out a script written by those
who have a pathological hatred for female Muslim students using hijab in the
school. It is aimed at ridiculing the use of hijab, trivializing it and
eventually causing such confusion that will railroad the state government into
banning the use of hijab in the state.
THE ROLE OF CAN
We do not need to look far for those behind the mayhem being unleashed on
the peace-loving Muslims of Iwo town. The Christian Association of Nigeria
(CAN) in an interview published in the Punch of Sunday, 9th
February, 2014 openly and vehemently admitted that they supported the ridiculous
appearance of students in funny robes. Equally didactic is the revelation that
one of the students who wore hijab on that day was Mary Ezekiel, obviously a
Christian. You may want to wonder what a female Christian student is doing
in hijab? Only CAN can answer that question. But all right-thinking Nigerians
as well as men and women of conscience know who is causing confusion.
So CAN encouraged Christian students to wear
choir robes, Boys Brigade uniforms, etc to school simply because female Muslim
students use hijab. But is a choir robe a suitable alternative to or
complementary to the school uniform the way the hijab serves as a ‘top’ for the
school uniform? Doesn’t the whole world know what the Boys Brigade uniform
represents? Is it an alternative to the school uniform? Those behind this
charade should examine their consciences.
Christians have enjoyed a Christian uniform imposed
on all (including Muslims) for decades. CAN as the legitimate heir and bona
fide inheritor of the colonialist slave driver is now prepared to cause
confusion in order to retain the Muslims in its slave camp. In order words,
rather than set the Muslims free, CAN is prepared to do anything. We put it to
CAN that it already has more than enough both from the present and past
regimes. The school uniform in use everywhere in Nigeria was originally
designed by the British colonial masters. CAN did not complain about it because
it was a Christian design and suitable for it. So why should CAN stand between
Muslims and the school uniform which is suitable for them?
THE DOG IN THE MANGER
The story is told of the dog in the manger in
Britain. A British man had a dog and a horse. He fed the dog with bones and
gave it water until its belly bulged. Then the man turned to the horse and gave
it grasses to eat. But instead of allowing the horse to eat the grass, the dog
jumped on the grass and started barking, thereby keeping the horse away from
its legitimate food. Now what have we learnt from this short story? Though well
fed, the dog did not allow the horse to eat the grass which was even useless to
him (the dog).It is well known that dogs don’t eat grass. Now what name do we
give this dog? The British called it the dog in the manger. Of course a manger
in English is a small shed built for horses!
Compare the above to the attitude of CAN on the
hijab imbroglio. Christians don’t use hijab, yet CAN stands between the Muslims
and their hijab, threatening thunder and brimstone. Shouldn’t we presume that
if CAN has its way, it would ban the sewing of hijab in tailors’ shops, its
importation and of course the manufacture of hijab materials!
OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT MUST OFFICIALLY APPROVE
HIJAB
MURIC asserts categorically, emphatically and
unequivocally that Muslims in the State of Osun will use every legitimate means
available to resist the banning of hijab in public schools in the State of
Osun. Instead of banning the use of hijab, we advise the state government to
allow the law to take its due course. It is those who infringe upon the fundamental
human rights of Muslims who should be cautioned.
To this end, we call the attention of the state
government to the fact that any school which discriminates against female
Muslim children on account of race, tribe or religion has run foul of the
Nigerian Child Rights Act of 2003 and Article 11, 21 and 26 of the African
Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child 1990 (OAU doc. CAB/LEG/24.9/49/1990)
of which Nigeria is a signatory.
It is interesting to note that the government of Ekiti State approved the
use of hijab last year for
female Muslim pupils in public schools via circular
No. EK/SSG/01/375 of 12th December, 2013. Governor Kayode Fayemi is
a Christian and Muslims constitute only about 40% of the state’s population. So why can’t the Muslims enjoy their rights in Osun State
where they have a large majority and the governor is a Muslim?
We commend all other schools who have eschewed
religious fanaticism by allowing female Muslim students to use hijab. MURIC
believes that Nigeria can be truly great if both Christians and Muslims sink
their differences and embrace peace. We have been living together in peace in
the South-West for a long time and we wish to continue that way. But this may
be difficult to achieve if one group attempts to change the identity of
another. To ask us to drop the hijab is akin to asking us to drop Islam and
join your faith. We must learn to tolerate one another.
We therefore call on CAN and Baptist High
School authorities to acclimatize and stop living in old times. The wind of
change is blowing worldwide and the State of Osun should not be different. We
urge the authorities of this school to allow peaceful change, to eschew
bitterness and rancor and to cooperate with the state government as it makes
giant strides and takes people of the State of Osun to Eldorado. Baptist High
School needs to open its doors wide and accommodate all cultures without
discrimination or a desire to turn others into victims of the colonial master’s
tortuous method of assimilation. We extend our hands of friendship and love to
the school’s authorities and look forward to cordial relations in future in the
interest of all our children.
The colonial master who met Islam on arrival in
the 19th century uprooted all vestiges of Islam and compelled
Muslims who were interested in Western education to convert to Christianity.
This explains why many Muslim parents ignored Western education. The school
uniform which was designed by the Christian colonial master is what is still
being used till today. Muslims have been demanding the use of hijab for
decades. It is only reasonable that this demand is officially approved in view
of the fact that Nigeria is no longer under colonial rule. All aspects of our
education policy should have been reviewed after 1960 if indeed independence
means freedom.
MURIC affirms that Nigeria’s independence
remains a sham as long as Nigerians still cannot think like Nigerians while our
democracy is a fraud if it cannot be inclusive. All aspects of our life must be
participatory, not exclusive. For peace to reign, there must be evidence of the
presence of all the religions and ethnic groups in all the important landmarks
of Nigeria’s existence.
As far as we are concerned, Muslims are still
marginalized in Osun. We are tired of the domination of the Christian minority
who use blackmail to ensure that the status quo, i.e. the situation as
it was during colonial days, remains. We strongly contend that status quo
is not synonymous with equal rights, justice and freedom.
MURIC therefore calls on the government
of the State of Osun, a state where Muslims are predominant in the population, to
pursue the path of justice by integrating Muslims in the system along
with their Christian counterparts and other important stakeholders. We
reiterate our commitment to justice, equal rights and fair play. We demand
as of right, not as a priviledge, that the government of the State of Osun
should issue a circular similar to the one issued by the Ekiti State government
expressly approving the use of hijab in all public schools.
CHRISTIANS ENJOY MORE FAVOUR IN OSUN
What will the Muslims cite as their own
dividend of democracy after a century of colonial rule and decades of military
dictatorship? What will the Muslims mention as their gain from the present
regime in the State of Osun if the government cannot approve the use of hijab?
When will the enslavement of the Muslim majority by the Christian minority end?
We regard the official approval of hijab (when the government deems it fit to
do so) as the Muslims’ dividend of democracy. We put it to CAN that it has
repeatedly twisted the hands of this government and blackmailed it for its
selfish ends.
Or is it not this government that gave
N35 million to Christians to build a mausoleum for Pastor Obadare? Has any
Muslim group enjoyed such largesse? Is it not this same government that
approved the construction of a multi-denominational Christian worship center? We
have it on good record that the governor also supported the Baptist Mission
during their last convention in the state. On the contrary, the governor hardly
has time for Muslims in the state. But for the patience and understanding of
the latter, relationship between them and the governor would have been frosty.
Muslims have just four out of a total of
fourteen (14) commissioners. The rest are Christians. Of the thirty three (33)
permanent secretaries, the Christians have twenty five (25), only eight are
Muslims. So who is really benefitting from this government? Is it not ironical that
CAN will still turn round to say this governor is Islamising the state? Talk of
the pot calling the kettle black!
LET THE MUSLIMS GO!
For the
avoidance of doubts, we are not asking for a change that will deny others of
their rights, non-Muslims must be free to use the school uniform of their
choice. We will not impose our choice on others even though they have imposed
their own on us for a whole century. The time to do it is now. Nigeria is
celebrating the centenary of its amalgamation. Osun must let the Muslims go
this year. This is our song, the song of freedom. Let the Muslims go!
Liberation theology in Islamic political
thought necessitates freedom for all sides. In the interest of peace and
justice, those who seek freedom must not lord it on others at the point of
emancipation. MURIC will not hesitate to condemn any Muslim leader who attempts
to enslave non-Muslims, e.g. by forcing non-Muslim students to use hijab. The
Glorious Qur’an forbids oppression and it commands Muslims to shun tyranny
(Qur’an 6:21; 7:44). Therefore we will not try to give others what we cannot
take. All we are saying, Let the Muslims Go!
Above all, we appeal to those behind the
current topsy-turvy in the school to desist in order to put to rest the fear
being expressed in some circles that they are doing it because the governor is
a Muslim. This will set a dangerous precedent. Governors come and governors go,
but people of the state will still be there (at least until Doomsday).
We remind a section of the press that
has beamed its negative searchlight on the state to do a rethink. We do not
expect to find any member of the Fourth Estate of the Realm standing at
cross-purposes with the principles of justice, freedom and equal rights. Whereas truth is held
sacred by journalists, we are nonplussed that a section of the press would
consistently and ferociously attack the most dynamic governor Nigeria ever had,
a governor who declares responsibility as a trust, a governor who shuns sirens
on the roads and declares pomp and pageantry non grata. It may not be so
ethical for the press to blindly pursue an agenda on religious ground to the
extent that a performing governor is run aground on account of his faith.
Finally, we appeal to Muslims throughout the
length and breadth of the State of Osun to remain calm in spite of the
provocative stance of the authorities of Baptist High School. We urge them to
remain peaceful and law abiding and to cooperate with the state government in
all its programmes in order to engender peace and economic growth in the state.
Long Live the State of Osun.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
