By NICHOLAS UWERUNONYE

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak has insisted that Muslim students in missionary schools grant-aided by the state government are free to wear hijab, a veil covering of the head preferred by Muslim women, if they so choose, saying that his position on the matter is legal and a reflection of the plural nature of the state which is the southernmost state of all Northern states.

The governor made this declaration via a press release signed by Rafiu Ajakaiye, chief press secretary, CPS, to the governor on Tuesday.

According to the release, Gov. Abdulrazak clarified that Kwara State is a plural society whose diversity and peaceful coexistence as the southernmost northern state are its most unique selling points.

“The governor condemned the reckless attempts by some fifth columnists to polarise our state along religious lines, using the settled question of hijaab in public schools as a smokescreen to advance their evil intent,” the release said.

It made further clarifications thus:

“Based on subsisting Court judgments which were built on the Constitution, federal and state laws, principle of pluralism, and sanctity of the right of every person to their identity, especially in public space, the use of hijaab in public schools is a constitutional right that the government shall protect for anyone and everyone willing to use it.

“The government’s strategic patience in the handling of delicate matters involving the people it swore to protect is not same as pandering to anyone’s whims.

“Consequently, the Governor stands firmly by government’s policy on the permissibility of hijaab for every Muslim girl child who desires to wear it in all public schools,” the governor said.

Abdulrazak further appealed to the people of the state not to allow agents of fake news and disinformation to mislead them and set them against one another. (Daily Sun)

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