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Hijab Controversy: We’re waiting, hoping – Firdaous

 

…yet to receive official notice, says father

By Mumini AbdulKareem

Abdulsalam Amasa, father of Firdaous Amasa, the University of Ilorin law graduate who was denied her call to bar ceremony last year by law school following refusal to remove her hijab has said the family is yet to receive any notice by authorities for the daughter to collect her certificate during this year’s ceremony.

Firdaous case attracted national and international attention as many Muslim bodies and other pubic spirited individuals rose in her defence calling on the authority to do the needful by calling her to bar claiming she broke no law.

The House of Representatives also waded into the matter but was refrained by a court injunction from holding a public hearing on the issue.

Subsequently, the Body of Benchers, the highest body in the country’s legal profession reportedly set up a committee headed by Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ekiti, Hon Justice Ahmad Belgore to appraise the matter and advice on way forward.

However, last week, report went viral that the body had concluded deliberation on Firdaous’ case and has subsequently invited her to the next ceremony in Abuja scheduled for July 10, 2018.

The development was earlier greeted with reactions from apex Muslim bodies in the country including the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) who applauded the Body of Benchers for the decision and described it as commendable.

But hours later, there were contrary reports that the body only took a decision to allow Firdaous to be called to the Bar wearing a small covering over her hair, “the Honourable Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa style, while deliberations on appropriate means of a dress code generally continues.

Speaking at his Oloje Estate residence yesterday, Amasa said, “We received the information through the social media that the recommendation of the committee has been approved but officially, there is no communication to the sister in question. Therefore, we are just waiting for them to write her on what has actually been approved.

“But be that as it may. If it was approved, it is victory for Firdaous but Islam because it was the Muslim Ummah that took up the challenge not even Firdaous herself and we would be glad to see that what she fought for was granted at the end of the day.”

He added that Firdaous has been taking the matter with caution.

“She is presently doing her programme at a legal firm in Osun State and she is doing fine there,” he added.

Reacting in a telephone chat with our reporter yesterday, Firdaous simply said, “we are waiting and hopeful over the issue,”

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