To The NAHCON Chairman (4)

Addressing Misunderstandings

Sir, during the assembly with tour operators on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the NAHCON office in Makkah, I wish to commend your leadership for distinguishing yourself amid many at the venue. I must, however, extend my sincerest apologies for any misunderstanding stemming from my metaphorical expression of “fighting you.” Please know that no insult was intended, nor did I seek to diminish the reverence I hold for your esteemed position. I assumed, perhaps naively, that my sentiment would be comprehended in light of the atmosphere and context in which I delivered my remarks.

My intention was to illuminate the shadowboxing that transpired within the hall, where some individuals appeared to assert that the allocation of seats and selection of lead companies was equitable to all. In reality, it seems the Commission has regressed by a decade in terms of procedural integrity and established rules. The very question of the criteria used for selecting these companies remains unanswered.

Indeed, there exist documents within the Commission that enumerate a list of sanctioned companies now included for Hajj 2025— a decision ratified by your esteemed self, Mr Chairman. In his handover note to Ustaz Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad provided a comprehensive list of companies sanctioned by NAHCON for various infractions. I urge you, sir, to request and peruse that document.

It would certainly be enlightening to ascertain whether these companies have been cleared by either Saudi or Nigerian authorities for the offences that led to their sanctions, prior to their selection for Hajj 2025. When I remarked during our meeting in Makkah that the current actions could potentially affect your integrity in the long run, this was precisely what I meant.

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Legal and Ethical Considerations

In addressing the petitions concerning Lead Companies, I wish to reiterate some points I raised during our recent meeting. Firstly, Sir, you encouraged individuals with complaints to bring them forth regarding these companies. I was among the first to submit my concerns, urging your attention to the selection process while bearing in mind that those of us who provided evidence at the National Assembly hearing are facing repercussions. It is essential to note that the testimonies we presented before the Ad-hoc Committee investigating NAHCON, chaired by Honourable Sada Soli, pertained solely to events prior to your ascension as Chairman. Thus, I implore you to distinguish our earlier contributions from your current leadership.

Secondly, there exists another petition authored by Hajiya Aminah Ibrahim, Managing Director of Dija Travels. I am compelled to question the rationale behind reading her petition aloud during the meeting, given that such documents were meant to remain confidential. Is the Commission attempting to stifle dissent against its operations? My own submission became public even before it reached your office. While that issue may differ, there exists no justification for disclosing Hajiya Amina’s petition in the presence of the managing directors of the companies she has raised concerns against, unless the intent was, indeed, to sow discord among us.

Thirdly, I ask what transgression Hajiya Amina has committed to warrant the sanctions imposed by NAHCON against her company? Why should the petitioner be penalised for pursuing the action you requested? She brought to light certain allegations against specific entities, and it is incumbent upon the Commission to thoroughly verify the accuracy of her claims. While you indicated that someone checked the Corporate Affairs Commission’s (CAC) portal and found a company presented by Hajiya Amina to be inactive, when in reality it is active, it is crucial to clarify that her assertion was actually correct so far as the content on the portal was at the time.

Furthermore, Mr Chairman, when that verification was sought, it is essential to consider the caveat on the portal that all companies, whether inactive or otherwise, appeared as active on the CAC portal due to scheduled system maintenance and updates. The individual tasked with the verification should have examined the companies’ annual dues owed to the CAC; any default in payment results in inactivity.

The Importance of Fair Trial Principles

Lastly, it is crucial to acknowledge that a court convened, heard the case against Hajiya Amina Ibrahim, and pronounced judgment, sentencing her in absentia. The principle of fair hearing is woven into the very fabric of justice, as enshrined in the Glorious Qur’an. It is evident in the parable of Iblis’s defiance against the command of Allah to bow to Adam. Despite the knowledge of Iblis’s insubordination, Allah afforded him the opportunity to present his case. (Saad, 38:71-85). Tragically, Hajiya Amina was not similarly fortunate in your deliberative space, Mr Chairman. She was met with sanction, with your blessing, without being granted the right to be heard.

My concern, Sir, lies in the observation that some individuals are taking undue advantage of what appears to be a lack of clarity in your understanding of certain matters. The Commissioner for Operations repeated the phrase “with your permission, Mr Chairman” three times, and on each occasion, you acquiesced with a slight nod. Had you fully grasped the implications of the sentencing of Dija Travels, considering your esteemed background, I believe you would not have permitted such a travesty to persist.

If such occurrences can unfold in a meeting attended by many, one can only speculate about the potential implications of your unknowing acquiescence in the privacy of your office. Those who have entrusted you with this responsibility have not provided the necessary support to you, to NAHCON, or to the Hajj industry at large. They have placed upon you a burden that may be beyond your capacity to bear.

While I acknowledge that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbours the best intentions for our nation and for one of the pillars of our faith, it seems he has not received sound counsel in this instance. I sincerely pray that Allah grants you the strength and wisdom to navigate these challenges successfully.

Final Remarks

Sir, I kindly urge you to review all that I have written since your tenure began, if you are allowed access to those documents. Alternatively, I encourage someone close to you to provide an honest explanation of their contents. You will discover that I have consistently treated you with the utmost respect and reverence. My intention in all my correspondence has been to offer constructive counsel aimed at helping you succeed in your role.

However, Shaikhana, I must convey that this will be my final correspondence to you. I sincerely apologise if any part of my previous messages has caused you distress, from the first letter to this one. Please know that our prayers are with you at all times, and I wish you strength and wisdom as you navigate your responsibilities.