Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu
The National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has expressed concern over the alleged violation of the fundamental human rights of two female Muslims by two institutions in an interview with the DAILY GUIDE.
The allegation he said is trending on social media, a development which he said demands investigations which must include the security agencies, because of the national security challenges it poses.
In the case of the first female student – the cleric pointed out through his spokesperson, Sheikh Armeyaw Shuaibu that a female Muslim student, was after a thorough search before proceeding to write an examination being conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) at the St. Johns Grammar High School in Accra, had another ordeal awaiting her. After her second paper, she was compelled to remove the last head scarf on her head – a scrutiny which ‘caused a delay in her start of that particular paper.’
In the second instance he recalled the predicament of a female national service person posted to a state institution – Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Upon reporting to the place, she was told to ‘either remove the hijab or seek transfer to another place.’
The two scenarios, the National Chief Imam said apart from triggering tension in the country, constitute “a violation of the fundamental human rights of the two female Muslims – if they really occurred.”
The National Chief Imam continuing said that such actions by state institutions “are the sources of what are usually described as violent extremism or even terrorism.”
As a country enjoying peaceful coexistence between the faiths, this worrying trend should not be allowed to muddy the waters.
“I therefore call on WAEC and the management of SSNIT to investigate the issues raised, which would also be a means of sending a strong signal that these are anomalies which have no place in our country. Those responsible for the anomalies should be sanctioned as a way of ensuring a long lasting peace in the country” he said.
The foregone, he went on, would pacify the victims and reduce the inclination towards what is generally described as extremism by persons who seek to impose their ideologies on others.
To the agitated Muslims the Chief Imam asked them to be patient, as leadership pursues the subject to its logical conclusion.
The Chief Imam has also invited the two girls to his residence, so they can tell their stories. This would, he said ‘enable him to take action based on facts and not emotions.’
He prayed for continued peace in the country.
By A.R. Gomda