Pushing for progress is fantastic; attacking injustice is necessary, but at what cost? Last night, a hashtag began to make the rounds on Twitter and sure enough garnered considerable support that someone had to ask:
Why is Hijab trending?
— Chidi Okereke (@Chydee) December 15, 2017
Here’s why:
https://twitter.com/Busaayo/status/941359402614972417
Now we’re all for justice, and we admire bravery, however, we think it’s stupid for the young lady to have thrown away her dream of becoming a lawyer- if indeed it was her dream- to trend for couple of hours. But then, you have Rosa Parks (as someone cited).
https://twitter.com/zebbook/status/941377844223070209
Parks took a stand against a law at the risk to her life. Was it stupid? Yes, she could have died. Was she brave? She says she wasn’t. She was merely tired and stubborn.
About wearing hijab to call, the NLS rules of conduct clearly state:
The Constitution also states:
Firdaus knew the Law School rules before Call to Bar. If she felt in any way that the rules infringed on her rights, the best and efficient way for her to address them once and for all would have been with the court- not before the altar of public opinion. That would have been the intelligent thing to do. Also, if Law School actually makes an allowance for covering the hair via a turban, is that not an option Firdaus could have considered pending the determination of a legal suit in court?
It’s not like we run a jury system here where the input of the social media clan will count in weighing the matter. The best social media can do on this issue is keep it trending, and for a night and a day, they have succeeded.
Let’s go there:
Muslims Unite
https://twitter.com/Backarray/status/941292263635812353
Ok. Quick one
People that wear the hijab, wear it everytime. Like it's a part of you. And for some, it's their identity.
Comparing that to other forms of religious attires is just ridiculous. Lmfao.
— Sunshinešš (@rayyshie) December 14, 2017
Being a muslim is actually a way of life. Its not separate from who i am. The hijab to a muslim lady is part of her cloth. Tell her to remove it and you might as well ask her to go naked.
— Tawakalt (@shuaiboloade) December 14, 2017
The #Hijab is a religious commandment (to be observed by both male &female). It is āmoreā than a clothing as much as clothing is part of it. If some Muslims choose not to observe it, thatās their personal business. Respect peopleās choice(s).
— Haneefah Adam (@ms_hanie) December 14, 2017
#Hijab is not just a piece that you put on for some specific days/occasions only( like some religions do) it's a way of life. You use it every time even on your wedding day. #JusticeForAmasaFirdaus #JusticeForFirdaus
— Hammid (@aholagunju) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/Backarray/status/941293432194158592
One minute yāall are all for change but a Muslim girl thinks she should have the right to wear her hijab to bar & all of a sudden āwhy should rules be bent for youā.
— Cold Slur (@Cuntosaur) December 14, 2017
Stupid rules are meant to be challenged and broken even if theyāve existed for centuries.
— Cold Slur (@Cuntosaur) December 14, 2017
The Nigerian Law School has been getting away with this Muslims NOT covering their hair for "Call to Bar" for sooo long…. Its very UNFAIR, INTOLERANT & HIGHLY DISCRIMINATORY …
— Jubril A. Gawat (@Mr_JAGs) December 14, 2017
The same constitution we all follow States these CLEARLY: pic.twitter.com/YmFTMMuygP
— Jubril A. Gawat (@Mr_JAGs) December 14, 2017
Questions
Do you think we do not have muslims in the profession? Did any of them wear hijab for their call? Is she the first Muslim at the bar or only muslim at ICC yesterday? Does she not know the dress code?
Ask these questions instead— VARIETIQUE (@Varie_Tique) December 14, 2017
Add some more, the CJN before the last one was a Muslim woman. Aloma Mukhtar CJN RTD. Did she wear hijab under her wig?
— Bobby of House Stark (@datsbobby) December 14, 2017
Would they have allowed a Reverend sister wear her veil yesterday? No. Would they have allowed a Yemoja worshipper wear her regalia? No. So why must they give special consideration for a muslim to wear her hijab?
— Tomide Akinribido (@MrTomide) December 14, 2017
Do you think someone that can't take off her hijab for her call to bar will be able to judge fairly in a case that's affiliated to Islam?
— wale. (@akindadawale) December 14, 2017
Deeper life members don't wear Trousers but they know they have to wear during their Nysc.. Do you see them bothering us with their faith? Why should Hijab be an exception. You know the constitution, you signed for it so what exactly is your problem?
— šMirrorš (@Ink_her) December 14, 2017
Firstly, the rule isn't stupid. Just like every organization have their rules so does the NLS. Secondly, what will the judiciary be if it start taking preference to religious practices?
— Ra's Al Ghul (@DRealist009) December 14, 2017
Valid question.
Trust Nigerians, if this Lady eventually files a suit against Law School then the likes of Deeper Life female members filing a suit against NYSC's compulsory trousers and many other scenarios.
— Michael (@MikeOgunsakin) December 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/OsaremeE/status/941407778492637186
If the NLS do not recognized religion, why do people in courts or swearing in ceremony have to take oaths with the two religious books? In as much my faith is being questioned in law courts,obviously my dress code should also conform with what I am taking oath with. QED.
— KamarDeenā¢ (@OkonuKamar) December 14, 2017
Why should a public institution have rules that go against people's Faith
— Murtala (@Murtalaibin) December 14, 2017
Spare me the outrage
https://twitter.com/angel_molat/status/941456210141818880
https://twitter.com/GalacticoHD/status/941552771475673089
My brother I'm a fiqh student, I'm well rounded when Islamic education. The profession doesn't associate with any religious affiliation. She's not the first Muslim to be called to Bar, why is she being overly dramatic. NBA is a secular organization, she knows that already
— Adebowale (@callme_hod) December 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/MissIgho/status/941417953383321601
https://twitter.com/KingAbsolute_/status/941441247457300481
https://twitter.com/KingAbsolute_/status/941447799375384577
All of u fighting for that hijab girl will be alright oh .
She could have covered her head with turban sha .
Even the secretary of body of benchers used a turban.
Just 3 hours u can wear a turban and be done with their wahala forever— Abeni Mrs Money (@TheHabaneroChef) December 14, 2017
I'm a Muslim , I support the action of the Nigerian Law School. There is never a crime in a society where there is no law.
— HiDeE!! (@DaMostHigh_) December 14, 2017
Yes, you can
Iāve been seeing ānot allowed to cover hairā on the TL. We are allowed to cover our hair with a cap or turban!!!
— oluwaseyi āØ (@Ab3bi) December 15, 2017
Tbh its a silly and archaic rule but nevertheless thereās a way youād wear your turban that it covers the ears and the collarette fully covers the neck.
— oluwaseyi āØ (@Ab3bi) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/_nkeiru/status/941589495715069952
Time and place
https://twitter.com/iTARKAA/status/941410076765630471
Obey before complain
I was there and others who wore hijab took it off when it was time for the ceremony. She has been studying law for six years she ought to know this isn't part of their attire. Some of the benchers were Muslims but none wore any of such https://t.co/LyAtjHeZap
— Mama Leo š (@Eweha_A) December 14, 2017
Is she the first Muslim woman to be called to bar?
The past female CJN was Muslim and even at that didn't wear hijab under her wig.
Let's be civil and stop the unnecessary hash tags please. https://t.co/if17HxkRHt
— Slimfit (@iSlimfit) December 14, 2017
All these ones shouting Justice for Firdausa pon my TL… Aloma Mariam Mukhtar is as Muslim as you can get in this country. She NEVER wore a hijab under or over her legally allowed dressing. She was CJN.
Stop flogging a dead horse.
— Always the Bride, Never the Bridesmaid (@KoloKennethK) December 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/t_riumphant/status/941558138976825344
Smh. Profession that they wonāt call u to bar cos u missed dinner (to eat food), is it now messing up dress code they will overlook. Law is rigid, u must conform strictly.
— Bobby of House Stark (@datsbobby) December 14, 2017
Another funny tweet. It is not a new rule. U must stick to the dress code otherwise u wonāt be called to bar with ur mates. Sheās known this since her day of registration but chose to rebel against reasonable laid down rules. Stop making noise.
— Bobby of House Stark (@datsbobby) December 14, 2017
That Constitution debate doesn’t fly
https://twitter.com/MenWhoLived3ce/status/941449742797635591
https://twitter.com/MenWhoLived3ce/status/941450137376903168
https://twitter.com/MenWhoLived3ce/status/941450383511183360
https://twitter.com/MenWhoLived3ce/status/941450727356059648
https://twitter.com/MenWhoLived3ce/status/941451077513351168
This is not having a problem with someone else's right. It is understanding that the profession has well laid rules that must be abided by.
And for a law-upholding profession, I do not think they should take it lightly for someone who cannot follow the law.
— The Force! (@Orifunke) December 14, 2017
Itās not a āStupid Ruleā hun religious sentiments aside. The constitution clearly states that Nigeria as a state is Neutral in the sense that it recognizes no religion & its in the Nigerian Law Schoolās code of conduct that it isnāt part of the Regulation Wear. The law is the law
— egoĢ beĢkeĢ (@luchymoe) December 14, 2017
Like I said, this is not a constitutional issue. The NLS has a code of conduct, when you submit to a law youāre bound by it, you waive certain rights. pic.twitter.com/HE3p2tDXQM
— egoĢ beĢkeĢ (@luchymoe) December 15, 2017
Take your L
https://twitter.com/t_riumphant/status/941556845889585158
This Hijab issue is so hilarious!
Your WCW spent 5 years in the University studying THE LAW, spent an extra year at the LAW SCHOOL to know THE LAW.
Then on the D day, she decided to break THE LAW?
She played herself.
Give to Caesar what is Caesar's.— KOBZ (@AgbaKobz) December 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/ClintonViceB/status/941438691939180544
This one wants to fight a lost battle
She knows the ethics of the profession, conform or go for something else
Btw, it was just for a few hours and her wig wouldāve covered it… her village people are disguised and out to get her— Lewandoski (@teelewah) December 14, 2017
As a muslim on the TL, I understand that it may be difficult not to take sides with the hijab babe. But deep down you know she messed up.
— Globalš³š¬ (@okeyjames) December 14, 2017
This Hijab issue is so funny, you spent 5 years in the University studying "THE LAW" went to "LAW SCHOOL" for a year to know "THE LAW" .
Then on the D day you decided to break "THE LAW"?
You played yourself.
In everything, get wisdom.— Eniola š (@_MsEnny_) December 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/sommiie_sphinx/status/941423940299354113
Free for ALL
Deeper life members don't wear Trousers but they know they have to wear during their Nysc.. Do you see them bothering us with their faith? Why should Hijab be an exception. You know the constitution, you signed for it so what exactly is your problem?
— šMirrorš (@Ink_her) December 14, 2017
āShe can wear hijab since the constitution support free religionā
Yenyenyen
Let the son of an herbalist come with a war cloth for induction and see them all shouting ššš— Mr ADESA (@femiadeleye_sa) December 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/Rouvafe/status/941456979591073792
https://twitter.com/hemical/status/941413332392857605
https://twitter.com/hemical/status/941414453056335872
https://twitter.com/DUPE0LA/status/941429773062033409
If care is not taken, Call to Bar would have graduates coming
-in sutana
-in hijab
-barefooted
-with turari
-with rosary
-with tesibiu
-with opon ifa
-with banteAs everybody tries to express their religious freedom at a strictly professional environment with clear rules.
— OurFaveOnlineDoc š¬š§ š³š¬ (@OurFavOnlineDoc) December 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/Airviz/status/941586516387749888
Stop playing victim
https://twitter.com/BillionTwiTs/status/941454161194954756
Bank will employ you and tell you and tell you to wear suit and tie, you will now resume with agbada because you have rights, LMAOOOO
— Tobenna (@tobby_stark) December 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/Magiclammy/status/941407018560221189
How will this end?
Once upon a time
https://twitter.com/History_Pics/status/941422301127610368
Present day
https://twitter.com/Binanii/status/940913166707544064
Last last
https://twitter.com/El_tiger_29111/status/941606271563784192
Oh, boy.
Can our “Mumu” stop already!!!
This is the daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She is a member of the first family. Her father as we all know is a devout Muslim who at one point advocated the application of Sharia throughout the country.
Look at how she dressed during her Call to Bar not long ago. She complied strictly with the code of dressing prescribed by the Rules and the Body of Benchers.
She is also a Muslim.
You cannot quote the Quran to justify the violation of secular laws of a secular institution in a secular country. The Quran, The Bible, Seven Book of Moses and other holy books should never be used to justify lawlessness or invalidate national laws.
The Legal Profession in Nigerian is not governed by any religious book. I guess this may not be the case in Saudi Arabia and Israel. But when you choose to be a Nigerian lawyer, you must abide by the Rules here. Simple!