Muslim groups applaud Body of Benchers over Firdaus call to bar
A coalition of Muslim organisations have applauded the Body of Benchers, the Council of Legal Education and the Nigerian Law School for finding Miss Amasa Firdaus Al-Jannah worthy both in learning and character and allowed her to be called to the bar with her mini hijab.
Firdaus, a law graduate, was denied being called to the Nigerian Bar on Dec. 13, 2017 on the grounds that she adorned herself with a mini hijab. The coalition, which consists of 36 Islamic groups in Nigeria, said the call to the Nigerian Bar of Miss Firdaus was “a long walk to the attainment of justice”. Speaking at a Grand Reception in honour of Firdaus in Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the coalition chairman, said “With this bold decision of the body of benchers, the coalition believes that the issue of the use of hijab at the call to the bar and indeed the Nigerian court has finally been put to rest.” The coalition urged other professionals/ professions and institutions both public and private to emulate what the Body of Benchers has done in the case of Firdaus.
Balogun said, “It is needless to be dissipating energy subsequently on a matter that had been constitutionally and judicially resolved on account of unnecessary sentiments and bias.
“Going forward, we should feel concerned more about issues that unite us as Nigerians rather than create artificial and unproductive cleavages in our relationship.”
In her remarks, Firdaus thanked all those who stood on the side of justice throughout the struggle, even as she dedicated the victory to the entire Muslim ummah in the country.