The raging battle between the Christians and Muslims leaders in Kwara State on the vexatious issue of wearing of hijab by female students in Christians-founded but government-aided schools took a dramatic turn Sunday evening as the State leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN organised a special prayer to ward off what it called evil threats by some individuals during peace parleys conveyed by the State government.
The one and a half hours prayer session and meeting which held at the St. Barnabas Anglican Cathedral, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin was attended by members of CAN from varying units and denominations.
Tension rose last week in Ilorin as the issue of Hijab in Christian schools pitched leaders of the two religious group against each other. To forestall breaking of law and order, the state government on Friday of the week ordered the closure of 10 secondary schools in Ilorin as mass protest greeted the turning back of female students who wore hijab to the schools.
The affected schools are C&S College Sabo Oke; St Anthony College, Offa Road; ECWA School, Oja Iya; Surulere Baptist Secondary School, and Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam.
Others are CAC Secondary School, Asa Dam; St. Barnabas Secondary School Sabo Oke; St. John School Maraba, and St. Williams Secondary School in Taiwo Isale; St. James Secondary School, Maraba, all in Ilorin, the state capital.
A peace meeting convened by the Kwara State Government with religious leaders to resolve the controversy on Friday ended in a deadlock. The meeting which was chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi was to allow the religious leaders take positions and offer opinions on how to resolve their differences.
Sources at the parley said both parties stuck to their stands to the extent that tension rose on the two sides. While the Muslims leaders insisted that the female students would continue to wear their hijab to schools in line with the Court of Appeal ruling on the issue, the Christian leaders were said to have kicked against it, saying: “We will not allow the wearing of hijab in our missionary schools except head cap.”
There had been other peace parleys before the weekend’s meeting.
While awaiting government pronouncement on the issue after series of meeting, and on the thrust of the bile that the issue had generated, CAN leaders called out members to pray to God for ultimate solution.
Rev Fr. Ralph Ajewole, Chairman, CAN Ecumenism who gave the brief on the reason for the gathering said, it was for the faithful to raise their voices to the Lord in unison, giving the example of how Israelites do overcome in battle.
He reminded Christians that "God is with us in facing the current challenges as he has always been," charging them never to be tired or worried.
After Bible lesson from 2nd Chronicle 20:15 - 22, which was taken by Evangelist Mary Okoye, Rev. Dr. S. O. James of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin gave the exhortation.
Rev. James charged the people to believe in God who never forsake his own people. He gave the example of Gideon who was almost going into hiding before he was strengthened to face the challenges ahead and conquered.
"We have reached a level in Kwara in which Christians are just living to survive. Why? What happened on Thursday and Friday in respect of attempted enforcement and resistance of hijab in Christian-built schools will make anyone to feel sorry for the state," he remarked.
He reminded all: "God is with us. We have Him as Israelites have Him. He has promised to be our God and He has superior power." He enjoined Christians to go in might as a united body of Christ.
In their submissions, Rev. J. S. Dada, President, Kwara Baptist Convention and Rev. Rueben Ibitoye, State Secretary of CAN said, Christians in Kwara State are making two key demands: "The return of our schools and that no use of hijab in our schools," and that CAN does not want the schools to lose the identity of being built and owned by Churches.
Barrister Shina Ibiyemi, CAN Legal Adviser talked on the legal angle of the controversy. He said there was never any time the hijab issue was a subject of contention in the law court in the state. He therefore implored the people to harm themselves with fact and safeguard against misconception.
The gathering prayed for unity of the Church, for peace in Nigeria and Kwara State in particular. Prayers were said for blessings, courage and boldness in faith
They also prayed for a secured society and for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to heed CAN's call and make do his promise of answering their requests.
Among the anointed minsters of gospel who led the faithful in prayer were Rev Gabriel Olaoye, Rev. S A Adedayo, Rev. J S Owoeye, Rev. Abel Aiyedogbon, Very Rev. Shokoya, Rev Noah Adeosun, Rev. Malomo, Pastor Mrs. Ibitoye, who led the praise worship.
Meanwhile, the state government has urged parents, officials and authorities of the affected schools to maintain peace and avoid making comments or doing anything that could cause further misunderstanding and heat up the polity.
A release by the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Mamma Saba Jibril said the 10 grant-aided schools in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, are to remain shut pending announcement of the state government’s position on the use of the Muslim head covering (hijab) in the schools.
“This is to avert any breakdown of law and order while the government concludes consultations with relevant stakeholders. Members of the public are urged to remain calm and peaceful. Official pronouncement of government’s position is likely this week,” according to a statement by the Secretary to the Kwara State Government Prof. Mamma Saba Jibril.
“The government urges parents, officials and authorities at the affected schools to maintain peace and avoid making comments or doing anything that could cause further misunderstanding and heat up the polity.” The statement said.
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