MURIC kicks against INEC’s plot to disenfranchise women

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) yesterday raised the alarm that thousands of Muslim women from the South-West may not be able to vote in the 2019 general election should a request by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), compelling them to remove their hijab before issuing with Permanet Voter’s Card (PVCs) continue.

MURIC had accused INEC’s ad hoc staff of insisting on women to remove their hijab before they would be issued with the PVCs, saying women in hijab were being disallowed from the PVC Registration Centers because of their refusal to remove their hijab.
This, it said may lead to disenfranchisement should it continue unabated.

MURIC said in a statement by its President, Professor Ishaq Akintola that the Muslim women who refused to remove their hijab or to expose their ears were being turned back without being registered, describing the development as unacceptable.

It reads: “Muslim women are being asked to remove their hijab before capturing can take place. Some are asked to draw back the hijab from their faces to expose their ears. Of course the whole world knows that it is a taboo for Muslim women in hijab to expose their hair or ears. The Muslim women who refused to remove their hijab or to expose their ears are being turned back without being registered. This is unacceptable.

“It is cultural profiling. We are going to use every legitimate means to resist this aggression against Islam. We smell a rat. Religious fanatics have infested INEC’s ad hoc staff and their mission is to frustrate prospective voters as they want to reduce Muslim voting power in the sub-region.

“The INEC ad hoc staff, who commit this atrocity claim that they are following instructions from their head office. This is an old trick and a common line of argument. It suggests conspiracy. It means anti-Muslim elements have taken over in INEC head offices in Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Osogbo, Ondo and Akure (capitals of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states). This abuse is widespread particularly in Lagos State but INEC may want to focus its attention on its office at Arigbanla Road, Orile-Agege LCDA, Iyana ipaja, very close to NYSC camp.”

New Telegraph