News
After Hajj cancellation, intending pilgrims can demand refund – NAHCON
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has said Nigerians who have paid for the 2021 Hajj can ask for a full refund of their deposit or roll it over to next year, following the decision by the Saudi Arabian authorities not to allow anyone outside that country to perform this year’s pilgrimage.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had cancelled the Hajj for Nigerians and other international pilgrims for the 2021 season to control the spread of the new strains of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement issued by Head of Public Affairs at the commission, Mrs Fatima Usara, in Abuja.
He said, “As in the previous year, those pilgrims who request for refund of their hajj fare deposits will be granted such without unnecessary delay.
“However, as for those who would still wish to roll over their funds, the commission strongly urges them to wait for further advice and decisions by the board.”
Hassan said NAHCON respected the decision of Saudi Arabia no matter how painful the result might be to the commission and intending pilgrims worldwide.
Part of the statement read, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has received news of the cancellation of the Hajj for international pilgrims for the 2021 season.
“We have accepted that it is Allah’s divine design that multitudes will again this year not perform the Hajj.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only playing out a script ordained by our Maker long before creation of the universe.
“Our prayer is that we collectively turn to Him in repentance so that He admits us for Hajj in the coming years.”
He noted that one of the lessons from the 2020 and 2021 cancellations of the Hajj for foreign pilgrims’ was in the “Prophet’s Hadith (teachings) urging Muslims to perform Hajj while they could before they are prevented from doing so.
“Again, it impresses on us that it is only Allah that selects those who will be His guests for hajj. May we not be deprived of Allah’s mercy.
“May we be among those who will be chosen to perform Allah’s worship in future,” the NAHCON boss said.
Hassan commended the resilience of Nigerian intending pilgrims and the support they have shown during the “long and tortuous wait.”
The chairman said he was particularly impressed by the level of support and respect evidenced by their adherence to each instruction given by the commission.
He said, “An example is the total compliance in receiving COVID-19 jab with the hope of performing the 2021 Hajj.
“Equally, the commission appreciates cooperation of state Pilgrims welfare boards in its decision-making processes.”
The chairman assured stakeholders of NAHCON’s open-door policy and cooperation, adding that consultations would be held with all hajj managers on the way forward in the nearest future.
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
News
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.
Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.
Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency
The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.
Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.
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