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THE female wing of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, has listed the things that women and indeed all Nigerians should consider before voting for any candidate in the 2023 general election.
According to the MSSN women, track record, ability to uphold the constitution and obey court orders, character, leadership trait, capability to transform Nigeria, among other things, would be the major criteria for them to vote a candidate.
The women spoke in Lagos at the 2022 Sisters’ Engligtenment Programme organised by the MSSN-Lagos’ Sisters Circle themed ‘Blooming Mettle’.
During the programme, female Muslims were encouraged to explore opportunities in tech and be role models in society.
The naibatul amirah (deputy female head) of MSSN-Lagos, Azeezah Gidigbi, urged Muslim women to participate actively in the forthcoming elections.
Gidigbi, who delivered the welcome address on behalf of MSSN-Lagos Amirah, Basheeroh Majekodunmi, said: “I want to use this medium to initiate talks on our role in the forthcoming general election. Not all persons can participate actively in politics but we need to elect leaders who will make informed decisions to better the lives of youths, create enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and guarantee the rights of Muslim students in secondary schools and at all levels.
“We need a government that will ensure we are safe to use the hijab in schools, workplaces and society without fear of molestation or harassment. It is important to sensitise our parents, and guardians on the need to elect credible leaders and, as youths, ensure we participate in the electioneering process,” she said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Executive Director of Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative, Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, stated that to deserve the votes of Muslims, a candidate must be ready to uphold the constitution and the right to wear hijab.
Orolu-Balogun said: “These will be some of the major criteria for Muslim women going to vote. The role of Muslim women starts with education at home. Ensure that everyone that can vote where you live and beyond has a voter’s card.
“Women should also encourage other women to vote. Women should be at the table when decisions are made. This will enable us to play our roles as mothers and bring things affecting us directly forward.
“We should inform the politicians of the problems facing women and hold politicians accountable for their promises.”
On her part, a former amirah (female head) of MSSNLagos, Hafsah Badru, emphasised that respecting the right to wear hijab by any candidate is not a favour.
“We will only be considering a candidate that will respect the law and court ruling, including declaring support and issuing an official circular on the use of hijab. This is not a personal issue but something backed by the constitution. After this, we will begin to look at the track records, integrity and plans of the candidates,” she said.
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