The President Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit has called the government of Governor Babatunde Fashola a disappointment and failure for its clampdown on Islamic activities in the state.
The MSSN expressed this in a press statement ahead of the judgement expected to be delivered by Justice Grace Modupe Onyeabo, on whether or not the use of Hijab (Muslim head-scarf) should be allowed by female Muslim students, set for Friday.
Part of the statement reads, “Governor Fashola has disappointed a lot of Muslims in Lagos State, firstly with his decision to demolish the mosque within the premises of Lagos State Government Secretariat, when even the Presidential Villa and National Assembly in Abuja have mosques. He went further to appoint all the six state’s Education District Head (Permanent Secretaries) without considering at least a Muslim as against previous appointments, whereas there are many qualified Muslims for the job. Now he has deliberately trampled upon our citizenry rights by denying Muslim female students the freedom of dressing.”
The Lagos State Government banned the use of Hijab last year on the argument that it was not part of the approved school uniform for students.
MSSN proceeded to court to seek redress and protect Muslim females from being flogged, embarrassed, and victimised for using Hijab within and outside school premises.