CAN, Osun govt bicker over introduction of hijab in Christian schools

 OSUN State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the state government are heading for a showdown over the wearing of hijab by female Muslim students in Christian public schools as CAN claimed it was parts of Islamization of Osun agenda by the present administration in the state, headed by Gov. Rauf Aregbesola.

While CAN at a briefing yesterday raised the alarm of a looming religious crisis in the state allegedly being sponsored by the state government, the government on its part, said the allegations were unfounded as no government in the past had given all religions in the state their due respect than the present government

CAN claimed it had uncovered intelligent report on the plot by the state government to Islamize the state through policies and actions since its inception.

At the briefing attended by CAN leaders in the state including its Chairman, Superior Evangelist Abraham Aladeseye and Secretary, Rev Fr Michael Gbenga Ajayi, the association alleged that the government was found of fixing state functions on Sunday morning when every Christian was expected to be in church for Sunday service.

The CAN Secretary, Rev Fr Ajayi who read the text of the press conference said “the agitation for the use of hijab got to a climax the same month when a female student of Baptist High School, Iwo was arrested by the Police on the order of the school authority for daring to wear hijab to school.

Islamic fundamentalists, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups across the globe have one thing in common; an aversion to western civilization which they believe does not promote the Islamic religion and as such must be done away with through any means including violence. Is this not what is happening in Osun Sate?”

However, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, while reacting to the allegations, said they were unfounded, adding that there was no government in the past that has given all religions in the state their due respect than this government.

According to hi, “the allegations might not be unconnected with the handiwork of those who are against the progress and development which the present administration is initiating in the education sector”, adding that the state government would remain focus in its efforts to put the state on a sound footing.




-- Vanguard