APC chieftain condemns external gang-up against NAHCON chairman

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has warned against a campaign of calumny aimed at the Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman.

In a statement released on Saturday, Kwankwaso said that the recent attacks on the chairman are part of the agenda to destabilize NAHCON under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Usman and to derail the 2025 Hajj preparations.

Kwankwaso described the situation as unacceptable, saying that whosoever is committed to transformation of the Hajj commission and the successes of the 2025 Hajj should join hands with the commission’s leadership to consolidate on Professor Abdullahi Sale’s gains.

He urged the media to uphold professionalism in their reports by striving for accuracy, impartiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

However, Kwankwaso dismissed the report of unscrupulous practices in the selection process for ad hoc staff members for the 2025 Hajj operation.

Kwankwaso said, “It is unacceptable that some people are hellbent on destabilizing NAHCON under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman. This will not be allowed to continue unchecked.

“It is no longer news that the chairman has introduced fundamental reforms. These reforms are easing out age-long incumbrances associated to Hajj operations in Nigeria. What the chairman deserves at the moment is a pat on the back for a job well done.

“But some unscrupulous individuals who have turned the commission into a milking cow are desperately working to destroy these reforms and the image of the chairman.

He added that the selection of the National Hajj Medical Team (NMT) was conducted in a transparent manner, stressing that It was advertised while people applied and were selected for the posts.

Kwankwaso commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their commitment to ensure the success of the 2025 Hajj.