By Rabiu Doma,Nasarawa
The Governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has alleged fraudulent practices by the management and Board of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board in the distribution of Hajj forms in the state.
The Governor gave the hint while receiving the report of 2013 Hajj operation by the Amirul Hajj at the seat of power yesterday, He identified the fraudulent practices as a setback to Hajj operation in the state.
Al-Makura applauded the team lead by the Andoma of Doma,(HRH) Ahmadu Aliyu Ogah for their patriotism for the conduct of successful Hajj operation.
“I appreciate the effective disposition of the team”, The Governor while reacting to the recommendation of the committee report said the state Government will guarantee the adherence to the recommendation.
Governor Al-Makura averred that the non-compliance to some of the fundamental issues affecting Hajj operation will be look into, saying Accountability and transparency remain the article of faith of his administration.
The Governor speaking on some of the huddles facing Nasarawa Pilgrims to include absence of Ambulance as a major preponderance, said a new brand Ambulance will be provided to ease the plight of pilgrims while at the Holy land
He also said a comfortable accommodation has been provided to intending pilgrims in the Holy land.
The Andoma of Doma listed the recommendation
1. Disagreement between the board and management of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board affect Hajj operation.
2. Difficulties in getting detail of Hajj operation, calling on the state Government to compel the board and management to confided to Amirul-Hajj all financial dealings involved in the operation.
3. No openness between the management and board of the NSMPWB.
4. Monumental fraud in the name of Hadayah, calling on the state Government to sideline the management/board,The management/board collected monies from the pilgrims placing the Government in bad light, Saying pilgrims should go and pursue Hadayah without any interference from the board/Management.
5. That outdated Ambulance is not allowed to go to Mina and recommend that a new Ambulance be purchased to curb the lingering imbroglio.
6. The 2013 Hajj operation recorded cases of pregnancy, appealing to the state Government to constitute a thorough and committed medical team to conduct proper screening exercise, No thorough screening was conducted in 2013
7. Exigent preparation ahead of next pilgrimage.
8.To set a high standard of integrity, maturity and, qualification before appointment .
9. The state Government should provide accommodation closer to the mosque,As this will reduce the hardship faced by pilgrims.
Early preparation will enhance successful Hajj operation, It was gathered that no fewer than 1773 pilgrims perform 2013 Hajj operation from Nasarawa state.
It could be recalled that Barrister Sani Bawa, The chairman of the NSMPWB was alleged of swindling 17 pilgrims in the last Hajj operation.
Bawa,A former chairman of Nasarawa Local Government was said to have collected enormous amount of money running into N7.6m from intending pilgrims.
It was reliably gathered that aggrieved intending pilgrims protested over the sharp practices, As at the time of filing this report the 17 posh intending pilgrims are yet to be reimbursed their money to them.
