Hijab Controversy: We Will Be Fair, Courageous In Taking Decisions, Says Gov AbdulRazaq

• Violence had erupted in Ilorin, the state capital on March 17 when some Christian officials denied Muslim pupils with hijab access into the school premises

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Wednesday, said his administration will be fair and courageous in taking decisions in the overall interest of the state.

He stated this in a state broadcast on Tuesday amid the controversy trailing the ban of hijab in some mission schools in the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration announced an official policy on February 26 allowing any willing Muslim schoolgirl to wear the hijab in public schools after “several days of consultations, meetings, brainstorming, and dispassionate weighing of policy options.”

Read also: Kwara Hijab Controversy: Teachers Locked Out As Christians Converge At School Entrance

“We took that decision in good faith and in the overall interest of all. I swore to an oath to protect every Kwaran. This oath includes looking at the bigger picture and doing everything to prevent a crisis before it occurs.

“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.

“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 the 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,” he said.

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