FCT Minister Warns Intending Pilgrims Against Desertion

The Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud has emphasised government’s zero-tolerance policy towards abscondment of pilgrims to Israel.

Mahmoud made this known on Monday while speaking during the pre-departure orientation for 142 intending Christian pilgrims ahead of their journey to the Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Israel.

She urged the intending pilgrims to act as good ambassadors for both the FCT and Nigeria, stressing the importance of maintaining the nation’s reputation abroad. “We shall not allow any act of abscondment from pilgrimage,” she said.

During her address, Mahmoud outlined stringent measures in place to deter any such attempts.

“For anyone contemplating absconding or engaging in activities that could tarnish our country’s name, I urge you to reconsider. The federal government of Nigeria has implemented proactive measures to counter these efforts,” she said.

The minister also encouraged them to pray for President Bola Tinubu and members of the Renewed Hope Agenda team, underscoring the significance of effective governance.

“I sincerely hope that this pilgrimage will provide you with unique and rewarding experiences as we await your safe return,” she said.

Also, the Acting Director of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam reiterated the board’s commitment to preventing abscondment.

She warned that any pilgrim who attempts to abscond could jeopardise their guarantors.

“We have managed to achieve a remarkable record of no abscondment among our pilgrims over the years. Your guarantors were required to fill out forms, and if you do not return, we will know who to hold responsible.

“If you fail to come back, we can take legal action against the guarantor, as they have signed for someone who absconded,” she said.