The story on the approval of use of Hijab for call to Bar by the Body of Benchers has been debunked, stating that the correct position is that a decision was taken to allow Firdaus Amasa to be called to the Bar wearing a small covering over her hair, The Honourable Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa style. (See attached Picture)

The body of benchers is yet to formally decide on the mode of dress code for call to Bar as this has generated much controversy in the legal community.
According to the Information gathered by The Nigeria Lawyer (TNL) “the Body of Benchers is yet to consider the report of the committee chaired by Belgore JSC as the said report is not yet ready or ripe for consideration.

Former NBA President Olanipekun SAN, Ofodile SAN, and Lady Debbie are members of the committee.

It is also stated that the report will be formally presented and adopted for discussion by the Body of Benchers on a future date and a standard position taken thereafter as to dress codes for call in view of this development.

“However in view of the imminent Call to Bar ceremonies in July 2018 and Miss Fidaus Amasa’s petition, a position was taken on the applicant’s current petition on the subject. It was decided that :

– the applicant was indeed rude and impolite to a former CJN Belgore JSC who had intervened at the Call ceremonies but rebuffed by the applicant, and therefore must tender a written apology.
– It was recognized that moslem Judges while sitting wear only head scarf to cover their hair and not partial face covering of any sort, as exhibited by the applicant’s attire. If she will be called therefore, she cannot use more than the hair covering scarf, similar to what female Judges from lower courts to Supreme Court use.

So the reprieve is conditional on the above limitations, not a blanket approval as falsely being circulated,” so it was affirmed.

Recall that there was a press statement issued by MURIC on Thursday, that the Body of Benchers has approved the use of hijab during Call to Bar ceremony of young lawyers and that Firdaus Amasa has also been invited to attend the Call to Bar coming up this July 2018 after the approval from the distinguished bench men.

Source:- Thenigerianlawyer

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