2023: We’ll vote only those that will protect our rights — MSSN women

The female wing of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, has urged members and other Muslim women across the country to vote for only those that will respect their rights to hijab in schools and workplaces.

It also urged them to consider the public records of the candidates, their ability to uphold the constitution and obedience to court orders, character, leadership qualities and ability to transform Nigeria.

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The group gave the conditions during the 2022 Sisters’ Engligtenment Programme organised by the Lagos Sisters Circle in Lagos with the theme, ‘Blooming Mettle,’ where it urged Muslim women to participate actively in politics. 

The Naibatul Amirah (Deputy female head) of MSSN Lagos, Azeezah Gidigbi, who delivered a welcome address on behalf of the MSSN Lagos Amirah, Basheeroh Majekodunmi, said Nigerians must elect leaders who would 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 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,” she said.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, said 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.

On her part, a former Amirah (female head) of MSSN Lagos, Hafsah Badru, stressed that respecting the right to wear hijab by any candidate was 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