Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara, says the state
will reconstitute an interfaith committee to address concerns arising from the
policy of using hijab in public schools.
The state has been embroiled in controversy over the use of
hijab in public schools, especially for learning institutions referred to as
grant-aided missionary schools.
While the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) blamed the Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the crisis, the Christian body said the
government was “insensitive” on the matter.
Reactions to the directive had resulted in violence, but the government later clarified that the use of hijab is voluntary for public schools.
In February, the state government had ordered the closure of
10 schools over over the dispute, but the schools were asked to resume on March
19.
Speaking in a televised broadcast on Tuesday, the governor
said an interfaith committee would be set up to build confidence and provide
templates to “resolve all issues of mutual concerns”.
“I acknowledge the apprehension from the Christian and
Muslim communities. Having held dozens of meetings with various thoughts
leaders from both sides in the last four weeks, I am convinced that beneath the
tensions and misgivings around the hijaab decision are old wounds that must be
healed,” he said.
“I assure all Kwarans that we will take genuine steps to
address the concerns raised by various faith communities.
“In doing so, a huge dose of understanding, selflessness,
and patriotism will be required. Going forward, we will need leaders from both
sides to spread message of love, accommodation, patience, peace, and mutual
respect.
“Notwithstanding their varied positions, I am proud of the
level of restraints and statesmanship shown by our religious leaders.
“I commend them and reassure them that we will always be
fair, courageous in taking decisions for sustainable peace, and be willing to
listen to their concerns.
“The starting point will be the reconstitution in the coming
days of the interfaith committee to further build confidence as well as provide
templates to steadily resolve all issues of mutual concerns.
“I commend the security agencies for their professionalism
and their sticking to strategic patience jointly agreed upon. This has helped
to prevent loss of lives and properties, while keeping crisis merchants in
check.
“I urge parents to speak to their wards to stay away from
trouble. Any attempt to take advantage of the situation to foment trouble will
be met with maximum punishment prescribed by the law.”
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