Hajj: Kaduna warns appointed officials against collecting bribe from pilgrims

Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, has warned appointed officials for 2024 Hajj exercise against collecting bribes before assisting pilgrims, or gratification after assisting them, because both are forbidden in Islam religion.

The Public Relations Officer of the pilgrims Agency, Yunusa Mohammed Abdullahi, in a statement released said the Executive Chairman gave the warning during the maiden meeting between the officials and members of the Committee set up by the state government to ensure smooth hajj operation this year, as well as the management of the Agency.

The chairman said the officials of the 2024 Hajj were chosen on merit and so they should serve pilgrims to the best of their abilities and with the fear of Allah (SWT) in mind.

The Chairman who commended Governor Uba Sani for giving them a free hand to choose competent and experienced people that will facilitate this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, warned the officials not to cut corners in the discharge of their duties.

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‘’We should seek our reward from Allah (SWT). We should do our best to satisfy pilgrims and we should listen to their complaints whenever they arise. We had earlier warned all Registration and Pilgrim Officers against any form of cash collection from intending pilgrims. So, officials should also desist from receiving money before rendering service,’’ he warned

Malam Salihu also warned Pilgrim Registration Officers against collecting money for Hadaya for the slaughter of rams during Hajj.

He reiterated that intending pilgrims should be given bank tellers to make deposits in naira, corresponding to the prevailing exchange rate of the dollar.

According to Malam Salihu, any complaint that is lodged against an official will be thoroughly investigated and if he or she is found wanting, he or she will be handed over to security agencies for prosecution.

He advised officials who are first time pilgrims to learn from those who have gone for Hajj before, in order to serve Kaduna State Pilgrims to the best of their abilities and with the fear of Allah (SWT).

Malam Salihu said the and members of the Board as well as the management of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency were committed to a successful Hajj, pleading with the officials to help them succeed.