Tinubu sacks Arabi as National Hajj Commission Chairman, asked to act on others

By KEMI KASUMU

Be open, accountable, sincere and truthful to Nigerians, their spirits will come together to make you succeed even when their physically bodies don’t. Buhari, despite the plots against his government, succeeded because they were physical bodies of those plotting and misguided public that complained about him because, no matter what anybody says, Buhari had, has always stood out clear about every step of his government and personal life. So, spirits of even his enemies worked against their carrying bodies in favour of the Mr. Integrity.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu finally bowed to mounting complaints as he inevitably removed the embattled Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, on Monday August 19, 2024.

Mr. Tinubu did not state the reason for his removal, but the fact that Mr. Arabi has been entangled within corruption allegation that an international university don, Dr. Lukman Raimi, called “corrupting the incorruptible Pillar of Islam” in a report published by The DEFENDER recently.

He is being investigated for allegedly misappropriating the N90 billion Hajj subsidy funds released to his Commission by the Tinubu-led Federal Government for the 1455 AH/2024 Islamic pilgrimage recently concluded.

The DEFENDER, however, reports that President Tinubu appointed a new replacement for Arabi in the person of Abdullahi Usman, a Nigerian professor, who will now serve as head of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

According to a statement sent to The DEFENDER by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday dated August 19, 2024, Mr Arabi will be replaced by Abdullahi Usman, a professor.

In the statement titled, “President Tinubu appoints Chairman of National Hajj Commission”, Ngelale said, “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

“Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence — the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan.

“He is also well-grounded in Hajj operations, having served as the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board, and successfully superintended the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.

“The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

“The President expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation,” it said.

While Arabi’s sack is seen commendable, some analysts, one of who spoke to this globalised online newspaper, are saying the Nigerian anti-corruption fight should neither be shrouded in ambiguity nor selective.

Explaining, analysts who spoke under strict condition of anonymity, said, “Do you know we read in the papers that Beta Edu, who was publicly suspended by Tinubu for misappropriation social investment money meant to improve the lives of poor Nigerians amidst hardship, had secretly resumed her duty and up till now the government did not deny it? By that non-denial, we take it to be true, forget about whether it is seeable or not. Who has been the humanitarian minister since her suspension?

“Remember that there were many allegations surrounded the Edu’s case like the Minister of the Interior, whose company was awarded  part of the contracts running into hundreds of millions and, in his defence, he confirmed to have resigned from the personally owned business while his wife is not in charge? What do you call a government official awarding government jobs to his own private company? Tinubu told us he was being investigated but what is the result?

“Another one, we have been inundated with several allegations and information against the family of the President like his son, Seyi Tinubu, is said to be a director of Hitech, the construction company he awarded the contract of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract to. Only the President has immunity, neither his wife nor son has.

“The Tinubu’s Presidency known for quick denial of even its own statements has remained silent on this this leaving Nigerians to live their lives only by rumours under his leadership. When you allow too much rumours to characterise your government, the cobsume you because they become the truth.

“There are more. So, when the President took action against Arabi, to us, it is not a big deal because ordinary Muslims, who will never allow their ‘incorruptible pillar of Islam – Hajj – or any of the aspect of their faith to be corrupted by politicians, will never accept that such man remain in office under any President.

“He should take further steps to suspend those other alleged  officials, whether family members or officials,  afterall, Allah says do justice or say tge truth even if it affects your father. Tinubu should know that when a government lacks transparency, spirit of accountability and doing of justice, it loses the public trust that is much required for it to succeed socially, economically and politically.

“Be open, accountable, sincere and truthful to Nigerians, their spirits will come together to make you succeed even when their physically bodies don’t. Buhari, despite the plots against his government, succeeded because they were physical bodies of those plotting and misguided public that complained about him because, no matter what anybody says, Buhari had, has always stood out clear about every step of his government and personal life. So, spirits of even his enemies worked against their carrying bodies in favour of the Mr. Integrity.

“Even when he wanted to go for private thing during his short break, like Femi Adesina or Garva Shehu would say “The Pr3sident will see his doctor for ETN – Ear, Throat and Nose checks” etc. Let Tinubu look at this aspect and go beyond Arabi to moving against every human official or relation that has been involved in corruption under his government,  we will celebrate him,” he said.