News
Hajj 2024: Gov Bala calls for decentralization of Hajj operations, decry $400 BTA
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has berated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for disappointing Nigerians who are performing the ongoing 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The Governor expressed his displeasure while interacting with the state pilgrims at Mina, the city of tents in Mecca as monitored by Tribune Online in Bauchi.
To this end, Bala Mohammed stressed the need to decentralize most of the Hajj operations in a manner that would allow state governments to take full control of Hajj affairs towards ensuring adequate welfare of their pilgrims who paid for Hajj seats through their respective States’ Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
He stated that in this year’s Hajj exercise, pilgrims were subjected to untold hardships due to the unfavourable policies introduced by NAHCON and relevant stakeholders.
The Governor specifically made reference to the provision of less than 500 US dollars as a Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) to each pilgrim despite the exorbitant charges of over N8m paid for a Hajj seat.
Mohammed therefore assured that the state governors would work collectively to break the monopoly of Hajj Affairs by NAHCON if measures are not taken to address the challenges identified.
The Governor then used the opportunity to announce a donation of 300 Saudi Riyals to each of the 2,680 Bauchi state pilgrims as Sallah gifts urging them to continue praying for the peace and stability of Nigeria particularly the success of government policies and programmes.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi while addressing the State contingents, explained that most of the challenges are beyond the control of the Commission.
He, however, commended the pilgrims for their patience and understanding towards achieving success in the Hajj exercise assuring that the Federal Government will look into all the complaints and work towards addressing the issues before the next exercise.
During the visit, the Chairman of HISBAH Committee, Kano State, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa also addressed the state pilgrims, commending Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his support and concern for the pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdulrahman Idris appreciated the concern of the Governor towards the welfare and well-being of the pilgrims in the Holy Land.
He said that the donation of the 300 Saudi Riyals would assist the pilgrims greatly and prayed Allah to reward the Governor abundantly.
TRIBUNE
By Francesca Hangeior
The team of lawyers representing Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja based bolt driver that was allegedly assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, have withdrawn from his case.
The withdrawal, came barely 24 hours after the driver made a volte farce by tendering an apology to his alleged assaulter who had since been docked in court by the police over his action.
Hon. Ikwechegh was arraigned after he had admitted that he manhandled the e-hailing cab driver and apologized for his unbecoming conduct.
However, in view of the recent turn of events in the matter, Abuwatseye’s lawyers said they were no longer ready to offer legal services to him.
A statement dated November 8, signed by Zainab M. Otega of Deji Adeyanju & Partners and titled: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED ASSAULT OF MR. STEPHEN ABUWATSEYE: WITHDRAWAL OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION,” read:
“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.
“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.
“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.
“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”
The popular Olaiya Bridge in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has been closed temporarily.
According to reports, this closure is to allow for the installation of barriers at the bridge’s entrance to prevent heavy trucks from using the bridge.
Inside Osogbo shared the updates on social media, urging motorists and other road users to exercise patience along the axis.
The blog wrote: “ATTENTION: The popular Ọlà-Ìyá Bridge is currently closed to give way for the installation of barriers at the entrance of the bridge to disallow heavy duty trucks from using the bridge. Motorists and other road users are enjoined to exercise patience along this axis.Kindly rebroadcast
The Olaiya Bridge was constructed by the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Recently, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun accused the state government of planning to demolish the iconic flyover bridge.
However, Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied these allegations and banned heavy-duty trucks from plying the flyover.
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