May 03, (THEWILL) – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has condemned what he described as a “campaign of calumny” targeted at the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
Kwankwaso made the statement on Saturday while reacting to a report published by an online media platform alleging bias in the selection of ad hoc staff for the 2025 Hajj operations.
He described the allegations and other recent attacks on the NAHCON chairman as part of a wider plot to destabilise the commission and derail preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
“It is unacceptable that some individuals are hellbent on destabilising NAHCON under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. This will not be allowed to continue unchecked,” Kwankwaso said.
He noted that the NAHCON boss had introduced far-reaching reforms aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in the Hajj process, and deserved commendation for his efforts.
“What the chairman deserves at this moment is a pat on the back for a job well done. But some unscrupulous individuals, who had turned the commission into a milking cow, are desperately working to destroy these reforms and tarnish his image,” he said.
Kwankwaso also dismissed allegations of irregularities in the selection of the National Hajj Medical Team (NMT), stating that the process was transparent.
“The selection was publicly advertised, and qualified applicants were chosen based on merit. The CVs of the selected medical personnel, including the team leads, speak for themselves,” he added.
He urged the media to uphold professionalism by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and avoiding sensationalism in their reports.
Kwankwaso also expressed confidence that ongoing preparations for the 2025 Hajj would not be derailed, and commended President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their commitment to the success of the pilgrimage.
“I am very confident that all arrangements are in place to make the 2025 Hajj a huge success. Nothing will be allowed to temper with these efforts,” he said.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
