Amid the hijab controversy that has hit some schools in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State has called for calm and peace, saying that "we must not allow the issue to spark religious crisis."

The party in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Ashaolu, stressed the need for all parties involved to be tolerant, exercise caution and not allow wearing of hijab to cause enmity between adherents of the two religions.

The Kwara PDP also emphasised the need for all parties to respect subsisting court ruling on the matter, noting that any party that is not satisfied with the judgement, should seek redress in the court and not take law into their own hands, in the interest of peace.

"Kwara is well known as a State of harmony and people of the State have been living in peace and unity. We must therefore not allow the issue of hijab to spark religious crisis in Ilorin or any part of the State.

"We call on all parties involved to exercise caution, tolerance and not allow the issue to create tension and enmity between members of the Muslim and Christian communities. We must also be careful not to sow seed of discord in the minds of innocent young school students.

"We understand that there is a subsisting court ruling on this matter. We therefore appeal to all concerned parties to respect and abide by this judgement. Any party that is not satisfied with the order should seek redress at the court and not take law into their own hands, in the interest of peace and stability of our State. Ours is a society that is guided by laws.

"Our party also calls on the State Government to be proactive, handle the matter with utmost caution and not allow it degenerate into crisis. We implore the Government to learn from how previous administrations were able to manage the matter.

"The government must ensure quick resolution of the matter that will see students of affected schools return to their classes without further delay. The school closure has already caused interrupted learning for the students, and we can't afford to let them stay home longer."

Signed:
Tunde Ashaolu,
State Publicity Secretary,
Kwara PDP