Any presidential candidate that would ensure compliance to court order on the use of hijab in schools, workplaces and society, has passed the first test for someone capable of leading Nigeria come 2023, the female wing of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, said on Thursday.
The presidential candidates of the Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC); Peter Gregory Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, respectively, are top contestants for the nation's number one political seat as far as the 2023 general elections is concerned, Naija News understands.
The Muslim women group, however, has listed criteria that would be put under consideration before they can vote for any of the candidates come next year.
They also expressed concern for the general well-being of Nigerians, stating that it became necessary at a time like this for Nigerians to elect leaders who will make informed decisions to better the lives of youths, create enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The Muslim society reiterated that the incoming leader must as well be someone that can assure the security of rights of Muslim students in secondary schools and at all educational levels.
Naija News understands that the group made their demand open during the 2022 Sisters’ Enlightenment Programme organised by MSSNLagos’ Sisters Circle held in Lagos and themed, ‘Blooming Mettle’.
At the event, female Muslims were encouraged to explore opportunities in tech and be role models in society.
Such Candidate Must Be Able To Transform Nigeria
The MSSN group maintained that their preferred choice for the Nigeria job must be a candidate with the ability to uphold the constitution and obedience to court orders, character and leadership ability, and ability to transform Nigeria among others would be major criteria for them to vote for a candidate.
In her remark, the Naibatul Amirah (Deputy female head) of MSSNLagos, Azeezah Gidigbi, urged Muslim women to participate actively in the forthcoming election.
Gidigbih, who delivered the welcome address on behalf of MSSNLagos Amirah, Basheeroh Majekodunmi, said, “I want to use this medium to initiate talks on our role in the forthcoming general elections. Not all persons can participate actively in politics but we have to elect leaders who will make informed decisions to better the lives of youths, create enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and also assure the security of rights of Muslim students in secondary schools and at all levels.
“We need a government that will ensure we are safe to use the hijab in schools, workplaces and society without fear of molestation or harassment. It is important to sensitise our parents, and guardians on the need to elect credible leaders and as youths, ensure we participate in the electioneering process.”
Speaking on the sideline of the event, the Executive Director of Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, stated that anyone to be voted must be ready to uphold the constitution and the right to wear hijab.
“The role of Muslim women starts with education at home. Ensure that everyone that can vote where you live and beyond has a voter card.
“Women should also encourage other women to vote. Women should be at the table when decisions are made. This will enable us to play our roles as mothers and bring things affecting us directly forward.
“We should inform the politicians of the problems facing the gender and hold politicians accountable for their promises,” she added.
Siding her fellow ladies, a former Amirah (female head) of MSSNLagos, Hafsah Badru, said that respecting the right to wear hijab by any candidate is not a favour.
“We will only be considering a candidate that will respect the law and court ruling, including declaring support and issuing an official circular on the use of hijab. This is not a personal issue but something backed by the Constitution. After this, we will begin to look at the track records, integrity, and plans of the candidates,” she said.
This article was originally published on Naija News
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