President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission. While no official reason was provided for the dismissal, News Review reports that Mr. Arabi is currently under investigation for allegedly misappropriating funds allocated by the federal government for this year’s Islamic pilgrimage.
In a related development, the president has appointed a new chairman for the Hajj commission. According to a statement released by the president’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday, Abdullahi Usman, a professor, will replace Mr. Arabi.
The full statement reads as follows:
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Professor Usman is a distinguished scholar with academic credentials from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan, both renowned Islamic institutions.
He is also experienced in Hajj operations, having previously served as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board, where he successfully managed the operations of the largest state pilgrim quota in the country.
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
The President expects the new NAHCON Chairman to carry out his responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and the highest dedication to the nation.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity)
