OGSG INTERVENES POSITIVELY IN VOTERS' HIJAB SAGA

Salaam All,   Brother M. A. O. Tijani, MURIC Coordinator in Remo Unit and President Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in Remo today reported that sisters in the area were being asked to remove their hijab while brothers were asked to remove their caps. This incident, according to him, occurred in Ward 4, Orubo, Oja Ale Square, St. John area, Ona Ogere, Wesley School, all in Iperu Remo. The Muslims in the area were warming up for a showdown. He also added in his text message, "Please save our faith now or violence may be the option".   His message came at 1.09 pm.   I immediately appealed to him that there should be no violent confrontation no matter the extent of provocation. I called FOMWAN Ameerah, Ogun State and the Ameerah of Lagos State, Hajia Gawat. They promised to act immediately. I also contacted the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (OGSSG) and Mr. Wale Yusuf who is in the Ogun State Governor's office. Fortunately both of them were in the same place together.   They waded in. FOMWAN Ameerah Ogun Chapter reported that she got both the INEC and SSS officers for the Local Government and together they all visited the affected areas where the erring officials were warned to desist from the abominable practice.   The SSG called back at 4.07 while Mr. Wale Yusuf called at 4.08. Both assured me that they had met the INEC Executive Secretary for Ogun State who has taken action on the issue. The sisters have since been registered. Indeed if all government officials react speedily to issues the way these two gentlemen reacted, there will always be peace in our dear country, Nigeria.   We hereby appeal to Muslims both in the North and South to always adopt peaceful methods in all matters. Aggrieved Muslims are urged to call MURIC lines:   08182119714 08033464974   We know what to do. We have the training in conflict resolution. We have the passion to defend the Allah-given and fundamental rights of Muslims. In addition, objectivity is our watchword.   Is-haq Akintola (Ph. D) Director, MURIC   Be just Justice is the soul of peace No one can deny one and have the other Neither can violence or naked force bring lasting peace