Using the hashtag #hijabicorper, many Nigerians expressed their views on the advocacy by Muslim Youths in Da’wah, which urged the National Youth Service Corps directorate to allow muslim corps members wear Hijab.
The commentators, on the social platform media were divided on the ban, arguing that the security reason given for the ban, is not strong enough.
In a peaceful protest at the NYSC headquarters in Abuja today, the muslim group expressed discomfort over NYSC ban on the use of hijab by Muslim corps members.
National Coordinator of the group, Luqman Hassan said the hijab ban is an infringement of fundamental human right of the female corps members.
“We are here to discuss with you about the incident that happened recently in various camps across the country. We have a guiding principle which is based on the Holy Q’uran. We are all Nigerians and the principle which guides us is the constitution and the African Charter on Human rights.
“Members of the NYSC are Nigerians who have contributed to the development of this country; female corps members deserve protection by the NYSC. We don’t believe that a female corps member putting on hijab has done any wrong against the Act establishing the NYSC. So they deserve the respect of the NYSC. We have travelled far and wide and visited different camps. Why are the rights of female corps members being infringed upon. We are here to register our displeasure?
But the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Johnson Olawumi said the 42 year old organisation will not change its position on hijab. It remains banned, he said.
Olawumi said the decision became imperative for safety of all corps members in the country irrespective of tribes or religion. He said some young Muslim ladies have been used as medium to execute terrorist attacks especially in current Boko Haram areas.
“Under my leadership, the NYSC will accord respect to every corps member, irrespective of tribe and religion. The incident in Benue State was caused by the use of long hijab. The security situation in the country is tough. There is the danger of somebody using hijab for other reasons.
“There have been cases where young girls put on hijab and eventually turn to suicide bombers. Boko Haram members know how to get at whoever they want as target. That is why we frown at the wearing of long hijab. Please call on all your Muslim youths to be patient and adhere to it, just for a short period during the camp. We frown at long hijab because of the security implication.
But on Twitter, Nigerians were divided about the whole campaign for corps members wearing hijab.
Here are some samples of the comments:
By 9pm, #Hijabicorper was still a hot topic on Twitter. You can make your comment too, following this link: Their “dress code” can’t infringe upon the Constitutional right of anyone. That’s the supreme law. #HijabiCorper