SAN FRANCISCO, December 18, (THEWILL) – The Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Sa’ad, has declared that the Nigerian constitution allows the use of hijab insisting that its use is not restricted to Muslim women, but also to Christians and Judaists.
This is coming against the backdrop of the ongoing controversies trailing the denial of a female Muslim law graduate, Amasa Firdaus, from being called to the bar by the Nigeria Law School over her use of the hijab.
The incident, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, has generated intense debate on the internet.
Speaking on Saturday at the fifth national convention of Muslim Public Affairs Center (MPAC), the Sultan noted that the hijab is a sign of decency and a mode of dressing for any woman who wants to preserve her chastity in public.
Represented by Sanni Abubakar Lugga, Waziri of Katsina, the Sultan made reference to top female Muslim members of the bar and bench who have used hijab in their official capacities.
“Why will a legal school refuse our sister’s induction into the judiciary simply because she was wearing hijab?” he asked.
“Is the Law School saying they are above National Judicial Council (NJC), they are above the Nigerian constitution, and they are above these three senior courts?”
“His Eminence wonders why hijab has now become a controversial issue. Hijab simply means decent dressing by females.”
“So why should decent dressing be a problem? The hijab is not just an Arabic word. In English it means decent dressing.”
“His Eminence has asked Nigerians to reflect and see that this is not only an Islamic mode of dressing but a Christian mode of dressing.”
“It is also a Judaism mode of dressing and it is a dressing for every decent woman. It is a dressing for any woman who wants to preserve her chastity in public.”
“Justice Alooma, the former CJN, Justice Bukalchuwa and oher senior justices in Nigeria wear their hijab and then wear the wig on top of it.”
“The NJC which is the highest body in the judiciary has not said ‘No, they should stop’ which means the Nigerian constitution allows the hijab.”
