In recent days, a flurry of accusations has been thrown at the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, by a handful of individuals who seem to be driven more by personal interests than the collective good of Nigerian pilgrims. But we ask why all the hatred?
Has the Chairman violated the NAHCON Establishment Act? Has he been found guilty of any act of corruption? The answer to both questions is a resounding no. These accusations are nothing but baseless, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to mislead the general public.
In a statement by Kano/Jigawa Coordinator of the Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals Nura Ahmad Dakata, said Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has shown a clear commitment to reform, transparency, and the overall improvement of Hajj operations in Nigeria. His leadership has brought professionalism and sanity to a system that, in the past, was tainted by inefficiencies and self-serving interests.
Let’s be clear: Hajj is a religious obligation, not a business enterprise.
The Commission under Professor Usman’s leadership is working tirelessly to uphold that sanctity.
But unfortunately, there are some within and around the system who would rather turn Hajj into a profit-making venture of those who see every reform as a threat to their comfort zone.
They may try to wage a war of blackmail and falsehood, but they will not succeed, in sha’Allah. The truth will always stand firm, no matter how loud the lies.
Instead of supporting efforts to make Hajj more efficient, affordable, and spiritually rewarding for Nigerian pilgrims, these “bad eggs” have chosen the path of sabotage.
But the Nigerian Muslim Ummah is not blind. The overwhelming support for the current Chairman from genuine stakeholders is a testament to his credibility and vision.
We call on the general public, particularly those who care about the future of Hajj operations in Nigeria, to ignore the noise and see through the smokescreen.
The enemies of progress may shout louder, but they do not speak for the majority.
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman is not perfect, but he is honest, focused, and guided by the principles of justice and accountability.
That is the kind of leadership NAHCON needs now more than ever.