Don’t feel intimidated to wear hijab on uniforms, Hijrah council tells policewomen

The Hijrah Council of Nigeria has called on Muslim policewomen across the country not to feel intimidated to wear the hijab on their uniforms.

 The position of the council followed the recent approval by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alikali Baba permitting the use of hijab on police uniforms.

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The decision has been applauded by many Muslim individuals and bodies across the country who decried the molestations suffered by the affected women over the issue.

 In a statement signed by the Amir of the Council, Prof. Lanre Badmus Yusuf on Monday, the Council said it appreciates the gesture of the IGP more coming at a time the global community, especially forces in the western world, is recognising the use of hijab.

 According to him, Muslim women in the Force should make the best out of the opportunity by being modest, professional and promoting the interest of the country regardless of the situation they find themselves.

 “As Muslim women working in the police, you should not shy away, feel intimidated or inferior in the utilisation of hijab while in uniforms.

 “The development means the IGP is living up to the global standard and has gallantly put Nigeria on the world map of countries that understands and recognises the fundamental human right of Muslim women,” he added.

 The council, a non-political and non-cultural united body of all Muslims across the country, therefore, thanked the IGP “For approving the use of hijab for willing female officers in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)”.

 It described it as a mark of respect for the constitutional provision on the right to practice religion in the country.

 It implored individuals, groups and religious bodies castigating the IGP for being modest to rethink and down tool their bigotry, adding that the use of hijab by Muslim women is compulsory regardless of their profession.

 The council described the new mode of dressing as promoting the purity of women with no negative effect on people around them except mischievous one.