No Ban on Hijab, Says Presidency

The Presidency has denied insinuations that the Buhari administration has banned Hijab, the Muslim women's dressing style in which most of the body, including part or all of the face, is covered, said to be a symbol of modesty.

Giving a clarification on the pronouncement of the President during Wednesday's media chat, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, on Friday in Abuja said the speculation was unfounded, and that the Buhari administration would always respect the rights of Muslims to protect their modesty and allow religious freedom

While admitting that the Hijab was being abused by terrorists to carry out suicide attacks on innocent people, which he said violated the teachings of Islam, Shehu explained that the President would not take any decision on the issue without due consultation with all the stakeholders.

"Everything will be done to balance national security requirements with the rights and obligations of citizens under their religions as protected by the constitution," the statement said.

According to him, the increasing abuse of the Hijab by terrorists to perpetrate criminal mass murder and other atrocities is a reality, and that the government would address the security challenge in consultations with Muslim leaders with a view to finding a workable solution.