20th
May, 2015
PRESS
RELEASE:
FALSE ALARM ABOUT REMOVAL OF HIJAB IN
LAGOS NYSC CAMP: MURIC APPEALS FOR CALM
Muslims in Lagos on Monday 18th May, 2015 received information
that hijab (head scarf) was being removed from the heads of female Muslim
corpers at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos
State.
The office of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) immediately
became inundated with calls while social media went agog. We immediately set
the machinery in motion to find out the veracity of the report. To our surprise, we discovered
that the story was grossly exaggerated as no female Muslim corper suffered such
humiliation.
In view of the volatile nature of the Nigerian society and in
view of the fact that Nigeria has witnessed too many religious riots which led
to the shedding of blood and destruction of properties, we decided to nip the
rumour in the bud before things went too far.
A four-man team led by the director of MURIC (and three other
members) visited the NYSC camp at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, for proper investigation.
The team was warmly received by the NYSC officials comprising the Lagos State Coordinator
of the NYSC secretariat, the Camp Director and the Camp Commandant. Two female Muslim
corpers at the center of the hijab imbroglio were also in attendance.
Our findings show that contrary
to reports no female Muslim corper was asked to remove her hijab and none had
her hijab removed. They were all allowed to use their hijab
except four of them who wore extra-long hijab. These four were requested to
reduce the length of their hijab to allow for camp activities. Two of them
complied while two refused. One of the two who refused also behaved rudely to
the Camp Commandant who also happened to be a Muslim from the North.
The two corpers who
refused to reduce their hijab were present at the meeting and we were able to
counsel them. It is didactic that both of them confirmed that NYSC officials
did not attempt to remove their hijab.
MURIC warns the general
public against spreading false and malicious information which are capable of
causing public disorder. In particular, we charge Muslims to investigate reports
properly before judging issues. The peace and
tranquility which Lagos State has been enjoying for years would have been
disturbed over this minor issue if urgent action had not been taken to douse
tension. At stake also are the career of innocent NYSC officials and the lives
of corps members inside the camp.
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an, “Oh you who believe, if a
tale-bearer brings a report to you, investigate it (before taking any action)
so that you may not harm innocent people inadvertently and become full of regret
over your action.” (Qur’an 49:6)
Finally, we affirm that there was no incident of the seizure of
hijab or placement of ban on it at the Lagos NYSC Camp. The NYSC officials and
the Camp Commandant have been treating the youth corpers in their care in
loco parentis. Muslims in Lagos and elsewhere are therefore requested to remain
calm and law-abiding.
Professor
Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim
Rights Concern (MURIC)
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