Hajj subsidy fraud: Tinubu sack Arabi, appoints Saleh chairman of NAHCON

Omeiza Bilal

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 superintendent the operations of the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Recalled, the former chairman of the commission is been investigated by anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC) over the mismanagement of N90 bn Hajj subsidy, been graciously provided by the President to bridge the gap in the exchange rate for the pilgrims in the country. In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President expects the new Chairman of NAHCON to discharge his duties with integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.