Presidency Denies Alleged Plans To Ban Hijab

The rumour going round that the Muhammadu Buhari government plans to ban the use of hijab by Muslim women has been dismissed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

The rumours had been sparked by the comment of President Buhari during his first media chat recently where he said:”When I say Boko Haram had been defeated technically, we have weakened capacity for conventional attacks. Banning hijab is not an option, but if these attacks continues, hijab has to be banned.”

President Buhari and the panelists at the recent presidential media chat

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But Malam Shehu said the speculations are unfounded, and that the Buhari administration would always respect the rights of Muslims to protect their modesty and allow religious freedom as it affects everyone.

While admitting that the Hijab is being abused by terrorists to carry out suicide attacks on innocent people, Shehu said the President would not take any decision on the issue without due consultation with all the stakeholders.

Parts of the statement read: “Everything will be done to balance national security requirements with the rights and obligations of citizens under their religions as protected by the constitution.” 

He stated that the Buhari government would address the security challenge in consultations with Muslim leaders with a view to finding a workable solution that will ensure peace.

President Buhari’s statement had generated reactions on micro-blogging site, Twitter. Read some of the comments below:

Another perspective?

I don’t think PMB meant to ban the common Hijab Muslim women wear. What I suspect he was referring to was Niqab. http://pic.twitter.com/mmMdcIKMUy

— Imam Imam (@imamdimam) January 1, 2016

The ones who accused Buhari of being an Islamist, are also some of the ones suddenly challenging his option of banning Hijab over BH.

— HENRY Okelue (@4eyedmonk) December 30, 2015

When I heard PMB saying if bombings continue using girls wearing hijab he’ll consider banning it, I said #BRAVE #PresidentialMediaChat

— Peacock (@dawisu) December 30, 2015

The President was straight forward about the Hijab response, also works better seeing as he’s a muslim. #PresidentialMediaChat

— Khaleesi!!! (@AbangMercy) December 30, 2015

LOL!

Ban hijab ke. You joke too much, President @MBuhari. #PMBMediaChat

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) December 30, 2015

I thought he was gonna dodge the hijab question. It’s a crazy angle. #PresidentialMediaChat

— Ediong (@Ediong) December 30, 2015

 

The post Presidency Denies Alleged Plans To Ban Hijab appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

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