Press Release: ABUTH MUST REINSTATE NURSE 14th April, 2009

A staff nurse, Safiya O. Ahmad, was sacked last week by the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) for using hijab. Already, ABUTH decision has provoked reactions from many Islamic organisations who are threatening to take action. 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is baffled by the insensitivity of ABUTH authorities on this issue. We find it difficult to understand how a university teaching hospital based in a zone that has experienced several religious riots could take such a decision. The wearing of hijab by Muslim women is an expression of their Allah-given and fundamental human right. Any attempt therefore to persecute them on account of the hijab is a gross violation of that right and a crime against humanity.

By sacking Safiya, an hijab-wearing female staff, authorities of ABUTH have violated section 38 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states, "Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to …manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance". It breaches Articles 9 & 14 of the European Treaty of Human Rights as well as Articles 18 & 19 of the Treaty of Civil and Political Rights. Safiya's right to manifest her faith is further buttressed by Article 18 of the Charter of the United Nations Organisation.

ABUTH has therefore manifested a shocking disregard for decorum. Sacking Safiya exposes the hospital's authorities as enemies of peace. Their action is myopic, discriminatory, unpatriotic and barbaric. It is capable of igniting another religious uprising whose consequences cannot be foretold.

Interestingly enough, Safiya wore shoulder-length hijab which conforms with the recommendations of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria at its 8th general meeting held on 15th – 16th November, 2001. ABUTH also rubber-stamped the use of this type of hijab on 7th July, 2008.

MURIC demands immediate and unconditional reinstatement of Safiya Ahmad. We call on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to assert freedom of religion in this country. We affirm that this right only exists on paper as far as Muslims are concerned. There are several reports of religious persecution flagrantly committed against Muslims. We assert that justice is the soul of peace. The latter will continue to elude Nigeria so long as the Government fails to create the conducive atmosphere. Finally, we charge members of the civil society to show interest in Safiya Ahmad's case in the same way that they have demonstrated interest in cases where Muslims are accused of human rights abuse.

Dr. Is-haq Akintola

DIRECTOR