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Hajj scandal: Bring culpable NAHCON officials to book, ex-Jurist urges FG
” Hails Tinubu on appointment of Kekere-Ekun as CJN
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A former Grand Kadi, Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroon, has urged the federal government to thoroughly investigate the alleged mismanagement of funds rocking the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over the conduct of this year’s Muslim Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
He noted that even though the matter was still under scrutiny, officials found culpable of the scandal should not be spared in view of the magnitude of the issue.
Haroon, who made this call during an interactive session with newsmen in Ilorin, the State capital,
expressed outrage that, as a Guest of King of Saudi Arabia during the just concluded Hajj rites, some pilgrims confided in him that they were paid $200 instead of $500 as travelling allowance.
He said: “This matter is yet to be decided but I want it to be thoroughly investigated and whoever that is found to be part of this act of dishonesty that caused suffering to our pilgrims should not be spared.
“I was in Makkah during the last pilgrimage as a Guest of King Salman of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and some pilgrims confessed to me that many of them were only given $200 instead of $500 and when they got to Saudi, they were only given equivalent of $200 in Riyal. That was how they took money from pilgrims.
“In fact, it is embarrassing that people who travelled to serve God will be the ones to violate God’s law. You must be just and transparent.”
He urged the new NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Sale Uthman, to return sanity to the Commission and know that he is representing the entire Muslim community with successes of the job preoccupying his mind rather than pecuniary gains.
Haroon, however, appealed to Nigerians to frown at corruption and check its prevalence in the society as well as other acts of indecency in order to prevent the loss of respect for Nigerians in the outside world.
“We Nigerians need to reevaluate ourselves because the prevalence of corruption among the citizens is making the country lose its respect in the sight of other countries”, he lamented.
The retired Jurist, who hailed the appointing of Justice Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining hierarchy in the judiciary.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate President Tinubu for maintaining the hierarchy in the Judiciary, hierarchical consideration is highly important in the appointment of head of the judiciary of this country. I must commend him for respecting the law and keeping it”, he added.
Haroon, however, charged the acting CJN as well as other judicial officers to endeavour to safeguard the judiciary in order to maintain social justice and protect the country from descending into chaos.
He said: “Judiciary of any nation is the pillar of social justice and coexistence. Where the judiciary isn’t firm enough or failing to disseminate that divine role given by God and society, then that nation or society is bound to fail because it will lead to people taking actions into their hands and this will cause chaos.
“Judicial officers should see themselves as having a responsibility given to them by God because when you are placed in a court, you have been handed the trust of a particular nation and you have to do it with selflessness without any bias. You have to believe that this job is between you, your conscience, your God and the society.
“I will refer my Lord (CJN) and other judicial officers to Qur’an chapter 4 verse 135, which calls on them to stand firm on justice regardless of who is in question.”
The retired judicial officer also urged Kekere-Ekun to take lessons from her predecessors in order to ensure a successful term in her new role as the head of the country’s Judiciary.
“The newly appointed acting CJN is coming in at a very delicate and crucial moment of this country. She can take lessons from her predecessors to know how to navigate her way in office to get success in her work”, he said.
Speaking on the constitutional review, Haroon said the focus of any new constitution should be on entrenching social justice and safety of the people, saying that “something is wrong with the Constitution that can’t enhance the spirit of sovereignty, that can’t guarantee social justice, safety and security”.
“I’m of the opinion that Nigeria Constitution needs to be examined so that we can have an ideal society where we can have peaceful coexistence and harmony. In doing this, security will be addressed, particularly”, he said.
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RUN Set to Mobilize Millions of Youth for Tinubu/Akpabio Ahead of 2027
Following the conclusion of party primaries, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) as a civil society group championing the cause of all youths and middle age citizens has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory in the presidential primaries recently held.
RUN also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging unopposed and the wild jubilation that greeted his victory as the Senator representing his constituency, the good people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
In a press release signed by Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group described the win of the duo as beam of hope for Nigeria beyond 2027.
According to him, “the win of Asiwaju and Akpabio signals a beam of hope for Nigeria that beyond 2027, we shall be consolidating on the gains of synergetic partnership between the legislature and the executive as a precursor for rapid development.
“The support extended to Mr. President by the Senate President has yielded significant strides in fasttracking development across all parameters that affect national productivity”
The group therefore called on all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to support the president while outlining series programs with potentials to foster national unity across regional and religious lines.
“As a group representing the interests of Nigeria youths, we are determined to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards improving the skill set of Nigeria youths towards increased productivity and an end to unemployment”, the release stated.
The group expressed confidence in the possibility of a new Nigeria of our dreams with the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio who will definitely be handed a second term as the Senate President “to continue synergizing with Mr. President for a better Nigeria”.
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HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI
The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.
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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
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