AbdulAhad Otuoze
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kwara State chapter has vehemently rejected government’s decision to legalize the use of head covers popularly known as Hijab, among Muslim students in Christian mission grant aided schools across the state.
Kwara CAN made its position known in a communique signed by the state Secretary and Director Legal and Publicity, Rev Reuben Ibitoye (JP) and Pro Apostle Shina Ibiyemi (JP) respectively, few hours after the state government made a pronouncement that all female Muslim students are free to use hijab regardless of the school they attend.
Reading the communique to pressmen shortly after raising from the plenary meeting of Kwara CAN, proprietors of grant aided schools, heads of Bloc, heads of different denominations and depegates, held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Taiwo road, Ilorin, the Secretary, Nigerian Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Victor Adebayo said the Christian body would employ every legal means to defend its faith and properties.
He asserted that in principle and practice, schools established by the Christian body are mission grant aided school and not general public schools, as such can not be technically islamized starting with the use of Hijab.
The body rejected and condemned in strong terms, the approval of the use of Hijab in her schools, saying if allowed to stay this will cause discrimination and allow terrorists to easily identify their children and ward.
They demanded the return of all Christian mission grant aided schools to their original owners, noting that most of the schools have churches besides them and unnecessary trespass may lead to break down of law and order.
The communique called on Christian faithfuls across the state to occupy all grant aided schools to prevent what the body described as forceful take over by government.
The body also called on Christians to observe a day for prayers and fasting for God to intervene in the imbroglio.
