Taraba Govt Defends Hajj Slot Reduction
The Taraba State Government has denied allegations that Hajj seats allocated to the state for the 2026 pilgrimage were hijacked or unfairly reduced, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Hussaini Ismail, who addressed journalists in Jalingo, explained that the reduction in sponsored Hajj slots was a deliberate decision reached after consultations with the Muslim Council and other stakeholders.
According to him, the move was aimed at enabling the state government to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants. He stressed that no Hajj allocation was diverted or hijacked as alleged on social media.
Ismail further stated that religious leaders, including the Chairman of the Muslim Council, Bashir Hama Adama, supported the decision, noting that the welfare of retirees and other developmental priorities must be considered alongside religious obligations.
He maintained that Governor Agbu Kefas remains committed to supporting religious activities and has continued to assist Muslim pilgrims over the years.
The Special Adviser urged residents to disregard what he described as misleading online narratives aimed at politicising government decisions, adding that the administration remains transparent and fair to all religious groups.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Hussaini Ismail, who addressed journalists in Jalingo, explained that the reduction in sponsored Hajj slots was a deliberate decision reached after consultations with the Muslim Council and other stakeholders.
According to him, the move was aimed at enabling the state government to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants. He stressed that no Hajj allocation was diverted or hijacked as alleged on social media.
Ismail further stated that religious leaders, including the Chairman of the Muslim Council, Bashir Hama Adama, supported the decision, noting that the welfare of retirees and other developmental priorities must be considered alongside religious obligations.
He maintained that Governor Agbu Kefas remains committed to supporting religious activities and has continued to assist Muslim pilgrims over the years.
The Special Adviser urged residents to disregard what he described as misleading online narratives aimed at politicising government decisions, adding that the administration remains transparent and fair to all religious groups.
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