Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has lambasted northern governors for shutting down schools in Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states for the Ramadan period, describing the decision as "ignorant" and "idiotic."
Sowore, in a recent interview, questioned why Nigeria—a secular state—would allow religious considerations to interfere with academic activities. He pointed out that even in Saudi Arabia, where Muslims flock for the lesser Hajj, schools remain open during Ramadan.
“Saudi Arabia where everybody is headed for lesser Hajj—did they close down their schools? You see, those are ignorant Muslims. Basically, let me put it straight: they are idiots," Sowore declared.
He added that under his leadership, no state government would be allowed to impose religious considerations on governance.
"When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the states will have no business with religion. I can’t be President and you come and close down schools because of fasting. It takes me back to outrage again that that has become normalized. Like you said, religion is sensitive," he said.
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