Kaduna — Christian elders in the 19 Northern states have criticized the Kano state government over its decision to compel all students in the state to dress like Muslims irrespective of their religions or cultural inclinations.

The leaders who spoke under the aegis of Christian Elders Forum of Northern States (NOSCEF) said it was concerned that "the rights of a large segment of the population in the state have been infringed by those who have sworn to protect and defend those rights."

They then urged the state government to rescind the order in the interest of peace and harmony in the Northern states. This was contained in a communiqué issued after its meeting in Kaduna yesterday.

The communiquéé which was signed by the National Chairman of NOSCEF, Professor Samuel Aleyideino and made available to newsmen also regretted the alleged negative statements credited to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III on Western evangelical organizations, saying that it was a distraction from the Sultan's earlier positive statement in the interest of peaceful co-existence in the northern states.

The communiqué read in part:

"NOSCEF is concerned that in a multi-cultural and multi-religious environment such as exists in Nigeria, the Kano state government has directed students in all schools in the state irrespective of their cultural and religious inclinations, wear Islamic mode of dressing to school.

"NOSCEF is concerned that the right of a large segment of the population of the state is being infringed upon by those that have sworn to protect and defend those rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. We call on the Kano State Government to rescind this directive in the spirit of the Nigeria Constitution, where harmony and diversity are recognized and protected.

"NOSCEF commends the setting up of election tribunals that are now addressing election petitions and is confident that all cases will be resolved in keeping with the law quickly.

"Meanwhile, NOSCEF commends President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua for the landmark decisions he has taken so far including the cancellation of the sale of our refineries and their resuscitation and the release of local government funds to the Lagos State Government. NOSCEF urges Mr President, in the same manner to immediately address all other injustices that have been perpetuated in the past.

"In line with the above, with specific reference to the brewing and potentially explosive situation regarding the National Youth Service scheme's call to service this year, NOSCEF urges Mr. President and the National Assembly to take immediate steps to resolve the situation.

"NOSCEF condemned the rampant armed robbery, killing, kidnapping and rape across the country and called on Government at all levels to take urgent step to ensure safety and security of lives and property.

"NOSCEF had noted with great anticipation on behalf of the oppressed northern states Christians the call by his Eminence Sultan Abubakar for co-operation between Muslems and Christians in the northern states. NOSCEF hopes that such statement constitute distraction from his ealier positive statement in the interest of peaeful co-existence in the northern states."