NAHCON Chairman's EFCC Invitation: A Familiar Pattern in Hajj Industry

 

By; Zakari Haruna, Kaduna 

The recent invitation of Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, acting Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sparked mixed reactions.

However, according to Abubakar Jiddah Usman, a seasoned observer and commentator of the Hajj industry, this development is not unexpected.

Jiddah Usman noted that the Hajj industry was notorious for its cutthroat politics, scheming, and pull-him-down syndrome, making it a challenging task for any leader to navigate.

He recalled that previous NAHCON chairmen have faced similar scrutiny from the EFCC, but none have been convicted of financial impropriety.

While acknowledging that the N90 billion federal subsidy for Hajj operations requires transparency and accountability, Usman expressed skepticism about the motives behind the EFCC's invitation. 

He argued that the Hajj industry is inherently flawed and that perfection is unattainable.

Usman suggested that instead of dwelling on negativity and criticism, stakeholders should focus on constructive dialogue, respectful review of flaws, and proactive measures to prevent future challenges. 

He emphasized that the Nigerian Muslim Ummah must accept that imperfections are inevitable and work towards mitigating them.

The EFCC's invitation to Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi was seen as a familiar pattern in the Hajj industry, and only time will tell if it yields any significant outcomes.