Hijab Controversy: Kwara Governor AbdulRazaq finally Breaks Silence, Reveals why he took Decision
- Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has called for calm in the state following the crisis over the wearing of hijab
- AbdulRazaq had on February 26, given permission to Muslim girls to wear hijab in government schools
- But the announcement triggered a crisis among other religious adherents in the state
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Following the raging hijab crisis in Kwara state, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has explained why his administration announced the wearing of the veil for Muslim girls in the public schools.
The Nation reports that the governor said on Tuesday, March 23, that the decision to announce hijab-wearing in grant-aided mission schools was based on consultations, meetings, brainstorming and dispassionate weighing of policy options.
Legit.ng gathered that he said he took that decision in good faith and in the interest of the people of the state.
Source: Twitter
Vanguard also reports that the governor reassured all the stakeholders that he would take care of the interests of all Kwarans according to the oath he was sworn into.
He said:
“I acknowledge the apprehension from the Christian and Muslim communities. Having held dozens of meetings with thought leaders from both sides in the last four weeks, I am convinced that beneath the tensions and misgivings around the hijab decision are old wounds that must be healed.
“I assure Kwarans that we will take steps to address the concerns raised by faith communities. In doing so, a huge dose of understanding, selflessness and patriotism will be required. Going forward, we will need leaders from both sides to spread message of love, accommodation, patience, peace and mutual respect."
He commended the maturity and professionalism of the security agencies in the state in handling the situation which prevented loss of any life and also said he would constitute an interfaith committee to further build confidence among the religious leaders.
The governor said in a state broadcast on February 26, that the administration announced an official policy allowing any willing Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab in public schools.
AbdulRazaq has attributed Monday, March 22, attacks on churches, schools and shops to fifth columnists.
He hailed leaders of religious bodies for their understanding and leadership in the last few days.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that the Kwara government was urged to respect the rule of law concerning schools of religious bodies in the state.
It was reported that the appeal was made by the Kwara Baptist Conference in a statement issued by the president, Rev’d. Dr. V.S.A Dada.
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Wale Akinola is a passionate journalist and researcher. He works as a senior political/current affairs editor at Legit.ng. He holds both B.A and Master’s degree in Communications and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan. He also holds a Diploma Certificate in Peace Journalism. He has over 15 years of work experience in both print and online media. He derives joy in keeping the public abreast of current happenings locally and internationally through his writings.
Source: Legit.ng
