How EFCC probe, Saudi Minister’s visit led to ouster
Members of staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other Hajj stakeholders are celebrating the sudden exit of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission.
Pakistan was reportedly forced to resign by higher authorities following multiple petitions, an EFCC probe and allegedly, the decision of Saudi Arabian authorities to stop relating with him.
Several members of staff in the Commission, while responding to his exit, expressed happiness saying his ouster would go along way in repositioning the Hajj Commission.
According to stakeholders, the last one and half years at the Commission has been tough amidst many corruption allegations, including a formal petition by Board Members. CityScenes gathered that there are plans by a workers’ union to host a party to thank God for the removal of Pakistan.
Independent Hajj Reporters said the petition raised concerns about leadership, administrative capacity and internal governance at the commission, prompting presidential attention.
While the resignation did not come as a surprise to stakeholders in the Hajj sector, who had been closely monitoring disputes and operational challenges within NAHCON since Usman assumed office, its suddenness took many outside the sector by surprise.
Following the change of guard at NAHCON, many concerned stakeholders, within and outside the Hajj sector, are of strong opinions that reforms that will make future Hajj operations better than it used to be, will be put in place.
No official communication has been released by either NAHCON or the Presidency on Pakistan’s exit till this moment.
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