The Presidency yesterday denied reports that the Buhari administration had banned the hijab, Muslim women’s symbol of modest dressing.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, made the clarification in a statement on the matter following the reactions that trailed the President Muhammadu Buhari’s media chat on Wednesday.
Stressing that the speculations are unfounded, Shehu said 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, which violates the teachings of Islam, he said that the President would not take any decision on the issue without due consultation with all the stakeholders.
The statement said: “Everything will be done to balance national security requirements with the rights and obligations of citizens under their religions as protected by the constitution,”
According to him, the increasing abuse of the hijab by terrorists to perpetrate mass murder and other atrocities is a reality. But he said the government would address the security challenge in consultations with Muslim leaders with a view to finding a workable solution.
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