In view of the decision of some state government to discontinue the sponsorship of pilgrims to hajj, Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society organisation called for the extension of the ban to Amirul hajj delegations at all levels.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and publicity secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud.
The statement said that “the role of amirul hajj delegations is more of ceremonial as opposed to operational expediencies. Because of lack of clear cut responsibility assigned to Amirul Hajj, they end up creating a parallel authority thereby usurping the power of a legally recognized pilgrims welfare boards officials and agencies. They view themselves as operators, rather than a government delegation to assist and support both pilgrims and hajj administrators for the smooth conduct of hajj exercise. If government hinged its reasons not to sponsor pilgrims on the need to prudently manage the scarce resources, then sponsoring of amirul hajj team will definitely undo such objective.”
“Hajj operation is a very complex exercise that requires diligent planning and executions, any impromptu activities as sometimes being introduced by some amirul hajj delegations might jeopardise the exercise.”
“In view of the above, we urge government at all levels to halt the sponsorship of amirul hajj; and instead empowered state pilgrims welfare boards officials to carry out their professional responsibility. Such measure will make the hajj officials to sit up knowing full well that they will be held responsible in the events of failure.”
“It will be recalled that Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kwara and Kano state had earlier announced discontinuation of sponsorships of pilgrims, in which Independent Hajj Reporters had earlier issued a statement commending them for taking such step.”
Meanwhile, the statement also commended Nasssarawa and Kwara state for their decision not to sponsor ordinary pilgrims to this year. We encourage other states to toe the same and instead empower their various state pilgrims welfare board to carry out their primary responsibility of efficient service delivery to the pilgrims ,the statement added.