By Friday Olokor

A group of Muslim youths under the aegis of Muslim Youths in Da’wah on Tuesday at the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps in Abuja protested against the ban on the use of hijab by female Muslim corps members, especially during orientation camps.

But the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General, Johnson Olawumi, insisted on the ban, saying it was “for security reasons.”

The national coordinator of LMYiD, Luqman Hassan; and the Deputy Coordinator, Kamarudeen Adefila, had told the NYSC DG that a major protest by Muslims was averted because of the ban on hijab in most orientation camps.

Hassan told the DG, “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.”

“Many Muslim organisations wanted to protest, but we said wait a while. In fact, we have to intervene to avoid the situation and if Muslims march on the streets, it will attract a lot of negative comments, but people won’t know why we are protesting,” Adefila had added.

In his response, Olawumi said, “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.”

The NYSC DG expressed disappointment in the allegation by the visiting youths.

“Why are you so particular on your alleged infraction on the rights of youths without mentioning any one of such on Christian youths? Produce your evidence, write to us and I can assure you that we will act fast. When the incident in Benue State was reported to us, I swung into action and ensured that the camp commandant was decamped immediately. We are not magicians; if you have any evidence, write to us and we will not hesitate to act.”

The NYSC Legal Adviser, Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, said the incident in Benue State was under investigation.

He said, “I’m a Muslim and in our camps, I know that we have treated everybody equally. You mentioned the fact that you would have proceeded to protest. Very minor issues could trigger off mass protest.

“We will see the way forward to this complaint. I can assure you that the issue will not be swept under the carpet. The NYSC is very sensitive to the issue of religion and immediately we heard of it, we swung into action and we are on it because issues of religion are very sensitive.”

http://punchng.com/no-wearing-of-hijab-in-nysc-camps-dg-insists/

For security reasons......... A very positive decision. Good step in the right direction.

Seconded...for security reasons...

Not only in camp but nigeria as a whole

It's better. No full eleha. The scarf should be ok. Our kids deserve to be safe. Muslims should blame themselves for not leading the condemnation of the terrorists who have abused such clothing. Safety first.

Yes, issue of Islam not Christianity is very delicate...but both na wash!!

edlion57:
Not only in camp but nigeria as a whole

Seconded!

When will NYSC give room for Christians to be putting on skirt, must we be dancing to Muslim tones?

another geniue reason to turn the koran on its head and start some bombing runs and nuke the nysc camp. Only for booohary to condem it and give them a big pat on their head. I pity those that will fall victim.

It should be banned in all public places.
It can be worn at home,no wala.
Why cover head,when you are not an egungun?

Nice movement

people can just be very unreasonable sha!
Which should be more paramount to a sane mind? Freedom of association or Right to life?
But the problem is that every mundane thing is sacrosanct in this country of pretentious collaboration, one will expect a swift action in form of another protest from another set of Muslim youths who will call the other ones to order and reasoning but what will you see everywhere SILENCE!
I can bet everyone that will even comment here on Nairaland will be Christians as if Muslims don't know everyone deserve a Right to Life!

Someone wants to be sacked and be replaced with an A.boki.
Best decision anyway!

Although this is a violation of rights, every sensible Muslim should understand that at this point, we cannot sacrifice security of lives on the altar of religious sentiments. The Muslim extremists are making life acutely difficult for the peaceful Muslims.

Way to go DG, exempt yourself from the programme if you can't stick with this simple rule

Which do u prefer to cover ur body or to die.

Supported

Nice move. God bless the DG
#iamspringtech.

Too bad

It should come with a life sentence.

Nysc is not Islamic dont attend. U can go to somalia, syria or sambisa for camp. Muslims cannot carry out a task or activity without bringing religion into d matter. Silly archaic religion

Ina lilahi waina ilehin rajiun. May Almighty Allah come to the aid of all muslimah

And I wonder what the children of pagans should wear too if muslims are giving that freedom. May be they should wear full grown red with dead lizards all over the body. At least everyone should enjoy his or her human right

panachuku:
Nysc is not Islamic dont attend. U can go to somalia, syria or sambisa for camp. Muslims cannot carry out a task or activity without bringing religion into d matter. Silly archaic religion

So you are so dumb to know that Nigeria is a multi religious country or is too hard for you to comprehend that both the muslims and christians have there right in this zoo call Nigeria

Yomieluv:
It should be banned in all public places.

It can be worn at home,no wala.

Why cover head,when you are not an egungun?

Why walk semi unclad (Nake*d) when you are not an animal?

personal59:


So you are so dumb to know that Nigeria is a multi religious country or is too hard for you to comprehend that both the muslims and christians have there right in this zoo call Nigeria

really tell me more , how many public holidays do traditionalist have

freshness2020:
Seconded!

THIRDED

panachuku:
really tell me more , how many public holidays do traditionalist have

Mr don't let us fool ourselves the two main religion in Nigeria is Islam and xtianity and do also ask yourself why xtian public holidays are always long wait till dec by 18th holiday start till January so do u also query that too?