The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has declared tomorrow (Friday) as a Day of Solidarity with female Muslims who are facing persecution in the South West for wearing hijab.
This is coming on the heels of a video clip showing the molestation of female Muslim students at the International School of the University of Ibadan (ISI).
MURIC declared the Day of Solidarity in a press statement by its Founder and Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, yesterday.
The statement reads in part; “Muslims are one nation throughout the world. The Glorious Qur’an specifically affirmed this in chapter 23 verse 52 where it says, ‘Verily indeed this nation of yours is one nation.’
“It is in this respect and in response to several telephone calls and text messages sent to MURIC’s headquarters by concerned Muslims that we are declaring Friday 12th July, 2019 the Day of Solidarity in support of all those innocent female Muslim girls that are being persecuted in secondary schools in the South West, particularly the most recent, appalling, disgraceful and barbaric treatment of underaged Muslim girls at the ISI, Ibadan.
“We hereby declare Friday, 12th July, 2019 as the Day of Solidarity with these poor, innocent girls who have fallen victims of Nigeria’s maradonic religiousity. MURIC has mapped out certain actions to be taken by Muslims who attend Jumu‘ah service on that day. The group urged Imams throughout Nigeria to pray for victory for Muslim girls who are facing persecution for wearing hijab.
“Muslims all over Nigeria are to stage a one-hour solidarity rally in a peaceful manner outside their mosques carrying placards with messages of sympathy with the girls immediately after the Jumu‘ah service.
“Decorum should be observed during the rallies. Nobody should use provocative or abusive language and nobody should block the smooth flow of traffic or molest passers-by. Neither should participants go beyond the front of their mosques.
“Thirdly, we appeal to all Muslims to wear white dresses on that day as a manifestation of peaceful intention and in order to display uniformity in solidarity.
“As we wind up, we reiterate our commitment to peaceful conduct. We affirm that the declaration of a Day of Solidarity is just Stage One of our extension of dialogue. MURIC will make more announcements for the next stages as events unfold, particularly if the authorities still do nothing about our grievances.”
