The Presidency has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has not banned the use of hijab which it describes as Muslim women’s dressing symbol of modesty.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this in a statement on Friday.
President Buhari had said on Wednesday during the presidential media chat that “Hijab would have to be banned if suicide bombing continues.”
But his spokesman yesterday, while clarifying the pronouncement, described as unfounded, the speculation that the Federal Government had banned the use of hijab.
He said that Buhari’s administration would always respect the rights of Muslims to protect their modesty and allow religious freedom as it affects everyone.
Shehu, however, admitted that hijab was being abused by Boko Haram terrorists to carry out suicide attacks on innocent people.
According to the presidential aide, this violates the teachings of Islam.
Shehu stressed that the president would not take any decision on the issue without due consultation with all the stakeholders.
He 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.”
He also emphasised that the increasing abuse of the “hijabby terrorists” to perpetrate criminal mass murder and other atrocities was a reality.
Shehu added that Buhari’s government would address the security challenge in consultations with Muslim leaders with a view to finding a workable solution”.
