An opinion leader, Muhammed Suleman Gama, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a thorough investigation into what he described as persistent internal distractions allegedly aimed at undermining the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
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Gama, in a statement made available to the press, expressed concern over what he termed sustained attempts by some individuals within the Commission to destabilize its operations, particularly as preparations for the 2026 Hajj gather momentum.
According to him, some of the individuals raising public allegations against the Commission’s leadership are already subjects of legal scrutiny over previous allegations, yet continue to generate controversies capable of distracting the institution from its core mandate.
He argued that the ongoing disputes are not driven by genuine concerns over governance or accountability, but by dissatisfaction with reforms introduced under the leadership of NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman (popularly known as Professor Pakistan).
“In the history of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman stands out as one of the most active and patriotic Chairmen, whose reforms have significantly improved Hajj operations and enhanced pilgrims’ satisfaction,” Gama stated.
He alleged that resistance to the current leadership stems from vested interests frustrated by the Chairman’s refusal to compromise standards or tailor Hajj arrangements and contracts to personal benefits.
Gama further maintained that if there are genuine allegations of misconduct against the NAHCON Chairman, such complaints should be formally submitted to relevant investigative authorities rather than being amplified through media campaigns capable of eroding public confidence.
He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the President is well informed about the successes recorded during recent Hajj operations and would not be misled by what he described as “unsubstantiated claims.”
“To obtain a fair assessment of NAHCON’s performance, stakeholders should listen to Nigerian pilgrims and credible Hajj partners both at home and in Saudi Arabia, rather than relying solely on internal voices driven by personal interests,” he added.
Gama also recalled that similar allegations had been made in the past, but were reportedly dismissed after internal reviews, allowing the current leadership to continue its work uninterrupted.
He therefore urged the NAHCON leadership to take administrative steps to safeguard the Commission’s stability, including reviewing the operational roles and privileges of stakeholders whose actions may undermine collective objectives.
Gama concluded by offering prayers for continued guidance and success for the NAHCON Chairman in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims and the overall integrity of the Hajj process.