News

Over 3,600 Nigerians Miss This Year’s Hajj

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2022

Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan

About one million Muslim faithful will spend today at the Islamic sacred site of Arafat, the most important ritual of the Muslim pilgrimage taking place in Saudi Arabia. But an estimated 3,660 Nigerians who had planned to make the trip had their hope dashed after the last flight of the Nigerian contingent left the Thursday afternoon, leaving them behind.

This is the first large scale hajj happening since the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. In both 2020 and 2021, only a handful of Saudi residents performed the exercise.

This year, a total of 850,000 foreigners and 150,000 domestic faithful were scheduled to perform the exercise. The figure is still a far cry from the nearly 2.5 million who performed the annual pilgrimage in 2019.

Nigeria had twice obtained extensions after it failed to conclude airlifting of its intending pilgrims. The country was allocated 43,008 slots for the hajj.

But by the time the Saudi air space was finally closed for intending pilgrims, Daily Trust gathered that at least 2,550 pilgrims who paid through states’ hajj commissions and 1,110 intending pilgrims who patronised licensed tour operators could not be airlifted. This was in addition to hundreds of others who could not get visas despite paying for the journey.

An insider in the commission told one of our reporters that the commission was issued 33,936 visas for pilgrims who paid through states’ agencies out of which 31,386 were airlifted.

Over 1,000 tour operators’ pilgrims stranded

Over 1,000 intending pilgrims belonging to the Licensed Tour Operators under the umbrella of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) would have missed the 2022 Hajj, according to findings by Daily Trust.

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The pilgrims are mostly stranded in Abuja, Lagos and Kano, it was learnt.

Most of the pilgrims could not make it to Saudi Arabia due to the alleged non-remittance of funds paid to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to their i-bank accounts in Saudi Arabia, which would enable them to process visas for their intending pilgrims as well as pay service providers for accommodation, feeding, among others.

Daily Trust learnt that over 51 operators with about 2,800 pilgrims were initially affected.

Some of them had to source foreign exchange from the parallel market to be able to process their pilgrims.

National President of AHUON, Alhaji Nasidi Yahaya in a chat with Daily Trust said the association is still compiling the list but confirmed that there are about 500 stranded pilgrims in Kano, 360 in Abuja and about 250 in Lagos.

He said the association would soon address a press conference after compiling its reports on the 2022 exercise, saying the losses to the tour operators cannot be quantified.

“The losses are so much that I can’t give now. We will come out with the figure. It is so devastating,” he said, blaming the issue on the non-remittance of funds into the operators’ i-banks. We are short of words. We can’t find any reason.

“And the pilgrims would not understand. They have paid money and their concern is to take them to the holy land,” he said.

745 Kano intending pilgrims miss out

At least 745 intending pilgrims from Kano State have missed out on this year’s hajj due to hitches in the airlifting operation.

The last flight for Kano pilgrims left the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) around 3:40pm on Thursday for Saudi Arabia after picking up 200 intending pilgrims to join those from another state already in the aircraft, leaving behind 745 intending pilgrims, including the Executive Secretary of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muhammad Abba Danbatta and some directors of the board.

With hundreds of the intending pilgrims left stranded at the airport and hajj camp for days, Danbatta had faulted the last-minute disappointment on the failure of NAHCON to honour the rescue mission arrangement after the initial disappointment from Azman Airline, which led to an extension by the Saudi government.

Daily Trust gathered that NAHCON had agreed to a rescue mission, which would have seen the deployment of two Flynas aircraft to mop up all those left behind as of Tuesday, but the aircraft did not show up.

He said early on Thursday, Azman aircraft with 400 passengers capacity departed Kano with only 250 intending pilgrims, leaving on the ground over 940 pilgrims with the state officials and the last flight also left with another 200.

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“NAHCON had promised to deploy Flynas aircraft with a high passenger capacity since two days ago to save the situation but we are yet to see that happening,’’ Danbatta lamented earlier on Thursday, adding that Azman had conducted six flights mostly with small capacity planes with total intending pilgrims airlifted from the state standing at less than 1,500.

“This was why we complained before the beginning of the Hajj exercise because of our high number that we prefer to be airlifted by Max Air,” he said.

At the airport, Daily Trust observed that the international departure wing was full of stranded intending pilgrims lamenting, with some accusing the Pilgrim Welfare Board of failure. The situation was similar at Hajj Camp where most of the intending pilgrims were still hoping for a last-minute miracle.

An intending pilgrim, Jamilu Sulaiman, who was sighted exiting the airport, said he lost hope and left everything to Almighty God as he was tired of the sufferings.

“This is just a day to Arafat what do you think we should do other than to leave here? I spent two days here and yet there is nothing done. They gave assurance that today (Thursday), they will deploy aircraft that will carry many of us but yet we saw nothing,” he said.

It was also gathered that, apart from those from Kano, there were other intending pilgrims that paid through tour operators from across Gombe, Oyo and Taraba States that came to Kano for their flights but were also stranded with some of them leaving the airport.

“I am from Oyo State. I spent two days here at the airport but I have given up already. We came here thinking we may luckily go, but it seems we are missing this year’s Hajj,” an intending pilgrim, who did not give his name, said while leaving the airport along with several others.

Huge liability to be recorded – Source

In addition to losses by individual companies, the government will have to cough out money to settle liabilities created by the untidy operation.

“There will be very messy reconciliation of the commission’s accounts. There is the issue of the Hajj Saving Scheme, then tour operators, outstanding pilgrims, regular pilgrims, and even the airlines. Government would be made to shoulder the liabilities,” he said.

NAHCON explains glitch

Spokesperson for NAHCON, Hajia Fatima Usara, did not respond to our reporter’s request to comment on the issues. But a source in the commission who acknowledged “technical problems” at some point in the operation, which, he said, affected a number of states, said the commission was not entirely responsible.

On non-issuance of visas to some of the intending pilgrims, he said “Some states couldn’t pay for their visa. It’s not Saudi that didn’t issue”.

News

Obey court order on Rivers LG poll, PDP tells Fubara

Published

8 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Trends Admin

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara

Obey court order on Rivers LG poll, PDP tells Fubara

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has warned the state governor, Siminialayi Fubara, against conducting a local government election on Saturday October 5.

It said holding the election would be disobeying the Federal High Court judgement and an invitation to trouble.

The PDP state chairman, Chukwuemeka Aaron, said participating in or conducting the election contrary to the court’s judgment would be unlawful.

He urged the citizens to disregard any announcements calling for local government elections on October 5, citing a Federal High Court judgment that halted the poll.

Aaron stressed the party’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, adding that the RSIEC and the State government could not choose which court orders to obey or ignore.

He called on Rivers State governor, a PDP member, to comply fully with the court’s judgment.

He said, “The PDP, having reviewed all the cases relating to the local government elections, concludes as follows: we cannot support or promote lawlessness, or impunity in any form whatsoever even though we are the ruling party in Rivers State.

“The proper court judgment must be obeyed as we cannot choose which order of the court to obey and not to obey.

“We, therefore call on the Rivers State governor who incidentally is a member of our great party the PDP to obey and comply wholly and strictly with the judgment of the Federal High Court in line with our character and ethics of our party, the PDP and suspend the planned October 5 local government elections in Rivers State.”

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Aaron commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for standing by the truth and complying with the court’s judgment.

He said INEC had clarified that it did not release the Voters Register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), a critical requirement for the elections.

While commending the Nigerian Police for standing by the Federal High Court judgment, Aaron, however, cautioned that announcing election results despite the suspension would be considered an invitation to violence.

He said, “We also call on our members and indeed the law-abiding residents of Rivers State to defend the rule of law ensuring full compliance with the judgment from the Federal High Court.

“Nobody should participate in or allow the conduct of any local government elections in deviance from the judgement of the Federal High Court.

“We want to thank the INEC for standing on the part of the truth, clearing the air on the non-release of Voters Register to RSIEC, and for complying with the Federal High Court judgment.

“We also commend the Nigerian Police for standing up to the Federal High judgment being the latest on the Rivers State Local government elections.

“We want to caution that any attempt to announce any results whatsoever will be an invitation to violence and will be properly revisited as no election will be held in Rivers State on the 5th of October as ordered by the court.

“We enjoin the general public to disregard any announcements calling for the October 5 local government elections, for the same is a call for crisis and which will not be in the interest of Rivers people.”

Obey court order on Rivers LG poll, PDP tells Fubara

News

Nigeria gets new $500m World Bank loan

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigeria gets new $500m World Bank loan

The World Bank has approved a 500 million dollar loan to support the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria, SPIN, project aimed at reducing climate-induced challenges.

Chakib Jenane, World Bank’s Regional Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Development for West and Central Africa, announced this during a visit to Water Resources and Sanitation Minister in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Jenane said that the SPIN project was approved during the World Bank’s Board meeting on Sept. 26, adding that it was scheduled to begin in January 2025.

According to him, the project is designed to address climate-related issues, including floods and droughts, through enhanced dam safety, improved water resource management, and expanded irrigation services.

The World Bank director said that the project would benefit approximately 950,000 people, including farmers and livestock breeders.

Jenane emphasised the need for Nigeria to continue preparations to meet the remaining conditions in order for the project to be effective by the Jan. 2025 target date.

The World Bank team also provided an update on the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which is nearing completion.

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The team also gave an update on the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, and stressed the importance of involving more states in the initiative.

Jenane encouraged the ministry to explore the establishment of a National WASH Fund, a key objective under the SURWASH programme’s Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 1.

The Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, expressed his appreciation to the bank for its continued support of Nigeria’s development, particularly in sustainable infrastructure and water resource management.

He assured the delegation that the Nigerian government would provide the necessary counterpart funding support to ensure the successful implementation of all World Bank-backed projects.

Utsev also emphasised the importance of completing the TRIMING Project on schedule, and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to meeting the project’s Jan. 2025 deadline.

Also speaking, Dr Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, thanked the bank for its approval of the SPIN project.

Goronyo also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring success of the project through collaborative efforts.

SPIN also mulls developing a master plan for hydropower generation, with a focus on boosting energy production through public-private partnerships.

Nigeria gets new $500m World Bank loan
NAN

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Bauchi senator denies sponsoring bandits, says Gov Mohammed’s accusation baseless

Published

10 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Trends Admin

Senator Shehu Buba Umar

Bauchi senator denies sponsoring bandits, says Gov Mohammed’s accusation baseless

Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi South Senatorial District) has reacted to an allegation of supporting banditry by Governor Bala Mohammed, describing it as unfounded, baseless and malicious.

Buba, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said the governor’s statements were unfounded, adding that he will not be intimidated by such claims.

He made this known in a press released by his Legislative Assistant, Hassan Gajin Duguri.

The Senator also described the governor’s petition to President Bola Tinubu as laughable and regrettable.

He said he was only responding to the baseless accusation of banditry to set the record straight to debunk the falsehood.

He condemned the Governor’s consistent insult of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saying his utterances were meant to incite citizens against the Federal Government.

“As the Senator representing Bauchi South in the National Assembly, Senator Buba has endured Governor Bala Mohammed’s arrogance, excesses, and unbecoming behavior, which includes unfounded fabrications stemming from the senator’s defense of the President against repeated disparaging remarks,” the statement said.

“Governor Mohammed not only orchestrated the withdrawal of Senator Buba’s chieftaincy title but also employed political proxies to undermine his standing within the state. Such underhanded tactics reveal the governor’s desperation, and the senator refuses to be intimidated.”

The statement expressed no surprise at Governor Bala’s latest actions, which allegedly involve fabricating falsehoods in a petition to the President.

According to the governor’s letter, he claims that one Abubakar Idris, a suspected bandit, and Zainab Aliyu Gado were registered to perform the pilgrimage through a supposed Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Shehu Buba, named Yahaya Ibrahim.

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In response, the aide clarified: “Senator Buba does not have a Senior Legislative Aide by the name Yahaya Ibrahim. While it is the responsibility of security services to conduct due diligence on potential Hajj pilgrims, Senator Buba sponsors numerous individuals for the pilgrimage each year, based on recommendations from elders, community leaders, and religious figures.”

Additionally, the aide stated, “We are aware that Hajiya Zainab Ali was thoroughly screened and permitted to perform Hajj, whereas Abubakar Idris was arrested for further investigation without any interference from the senator’s office.”

The statement further noted that “As Chairman of a crucial Senate committee, Senator Buba has actively championed initiatives aimed at counter-insurgency and anti-banditry, which are beginning to yield positive results.”

Highlighting the governor’s ongoing attacks, the statement remarked, “Governor Bala Mohammed has waged a political war against Senator Buba and others who dare to question his leadership style and arrogance.”

The statement recounted, “In 2019, when Bala Mohammed faced political challenges, Senator Buba personally introduced him to then APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, through Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. However, just months later, the same governor turned against President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Tinubu, and the APC at a PDP campaign rally in Bayelsa State, showcasing his ungrateful and duplicitous nature.

“Senator Buba remains resolute in denying these baseless allegations and reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents and ensuring the security of the nation.
“He is known for positively impacting the well-being of his constituency by providing scholarships, facilitating skills acquisition, and empowering youth and women.
“Additionally, he is recognized for his contributions to infrastructure development, poverty reduction, and the provision of social amenities and palliatives to mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal, among other commendable initiatives.

“Regardless of the Governor’s sinister intentions, he cannot halt the winds of change gathering strength in Bauchi. His days of unbecoming and unethical behaviours are numbered. The momentum for change has already begun, and no amount of blackmail will deter or intimidate my boss,” the statement concluded.