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Tinubu, governors urged to give bailout to secure hajj slots ahead of Saudi deadline

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The Serve the Pilgrims Initiative (SPI) has urged the federal and state governments to advance loans to pilgrims’ agencies to enable them to secure the seats allocated to them ahead of the hajj registration deadline for 2024.

SPI, a not-for-profit civil society organization that protects hajj pilgrims in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, said the inability of Nigeria to meet its 2024 hajj 95,000 quota would likely affect its hajj quota allocation in 2025.

A statement released by SPI co-chair, Yakubu Musa Fagge, on Sunday, said the hajj fare advance “would be in the form of a bailout loan that would be paid back after the prospective pilgrims must have completed their payment after Ramadan.”

While urging intending pilgrims to utilize the 30-day extension window provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to complete their payments, the SPI “is appealing to the state and federal governments to give out these loans to enable their various pilgrims’ agencies to secure their allocations ahead of the Saudi deadline. It’s not going to be free funds. The fund would be refunded after all payments have been completed.”

The CSO said the new Saudi hajj calendar is a good initiative, but would require gradual implementation because most pilgrims in Nigeria and other parts of the world are used to paying hajj fares “after Ramadan. This is largely because the majority of the pilgrims are either farmers or engage in commodity trading, which is done after harvest.”

The bailout would go a long way in securing the seats allocated to the states and also safeguard the hajj quota allocated to Nigeria by the Saudi authorities, the statement said.

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The CSO also commended the Governor of Jigawa State, in northwest Nigeria, Malam Umar Namadi, for advancing N2.2 billion to the state pilgrims’ agency to secure 500 hajj seats ahead of the December 31, 2023 deadline,” the SPI said.

It appealed to the federal government to allow intending pilgrims to access dollar at the exchange rate of N750 as captured in the 2024 appropriation act as passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu.

SPI further appealed that the 2024 budget-approved N750 US dollar exchange rate should be applicable to both Muslim and Christian pilgrims.

The hajj pilgrims rights CSO also appreciated the NAHCON extension of time for registration for Nigerian hajj pilgrims.

It also said the hajj commission’s
approval of three airlines with verifiable capacity, unlike last year, where some of the airlines were even under AMCON receivership, would go along way in easing the airlift of pilgrims of the West African leading hajj country.

The civil society noted that the slow pace of registration of pilgrims is not Nigeria’s problem alone, as other leading hajj countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Niger, among others, are facing similar challenges. However, they are also adopting local measures to mitigate these challenges.

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Ndume To Tinubu: Buhari’s Support Is Crucial

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….He remains adorable figures in the north

Senator Ali Ndume has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be worried if ex-President Muhamamdu Buhari is not on his side.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, the lawmaker said although Buhari has just one vote, he remains an adorable figure in Northern Nigeria.

Ndume spoke after former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar led key opposition figures to Buhari’s residence in Kaduna, on Friday.

The senator said he was also planning a visit to Buhari.

He said, “Buhari’s followership has diminished naturally because it is different when you are not in power and after spending like eight years in power. Of course his popularity, everything has diminished, it is natural, but you can’t write him off especially with the Northern masses. The followership of Buhari has been occultic. You cannot explain it.

“If Buhari is coming here now, you will see people rushing to see. Everybody including those in the vegetable market will rush here. Buhari is still with the Talakawas

“Tinubu should be worried if Buhari is not on his side. Every number counts and Buhari has one vote. Tinubu should also be worried about my position. Because I have one vote for him. He does not have a vote for me.”

Elanza News learnt that there were concerns over the potential exit of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc from the APC.

This was amplified following a recent meeting between former Buhari and APC governors.

The visit, which took place on Monday in Kaduna, was initially perceived as a routine courtesy call but has since sparked speculation about its deeper purpose.

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It was gathered that the governors reportedly sought Buhari’s intervention to halt defections from the party, particularly by key members of the CPC bloc.

The governors’ appeal reportedly arose from growing concerns about potential defections ahead of the 2027 general elections. The defunct CPC, a key bloc within APC, remains highly influential, with Buhari regarded as its central figure.

There are fears within APC that the exit of this bloc could spell disaster for the party on a national scale.

The Monday meeting took place amid a wave of defections by Buhari’s allies from APC to SDP. Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai was the first to publicly announce his departure, claiming he had secured Buhari’s blessing before leaving the party.

Several former ministers who served in Buhari’s cabinet are also reportedly finalising plans to join the SDP, and in Buhari’s home state of Katsina, numerous APC members have already defected to the SDP.

The CPC, founded in 2009, merged in February 2013 with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to form what is now known as the APC.

Elanza News gathered that the governors feared Buhari’s enduring cult-like followership in the North could become a major liability for APC if he backs his CPC associates. His bloc vote, they feared, could be catastrophic for the party in 2027.

It was gathered that the governors specifically urged Buhari to dissuade his CPC associates from leaving APC. However, the former president reportedly declined to make any such commitment.

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While reaffirming his loyalty to APC, he insisted that others must be allowed to make their own political choices—a principle he said he has upheld throughout his political career.

Meanwhile, Buhari has said he remains a committed member of the ruling APC.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, his spokesman, Buhari was quoted to have said after Wl-Rufai’s defection, he would never turn his back on the APCy that gave him the platform to become Nigeria’s number one citizen.

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‘No vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027,’ ex-lawmaker declares

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A two-term former Lagos State House of Assembly member, Sir Jude Idimogu, says there will be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock come 2027.

Idimogu, who represented Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II between 2015 and 2023, made the declaration in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

He was reacting to the recent announcement by an opposition group, which vowed to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Idimogu, who is also the deputy leader of Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ndigbo, Lagos State, and APC member, said no alliance between opposition leaders could pose a significant threat to Tinubu’s re-election.

The former lawmaker described the coalition of opposition politicians against the second term aspiration of the president as nothing but an exercise in futility.

He noted that the ruling party had a strong leadership and grassroots support that would propel the party to victory in 2027.

Idimogu maintained that the president deserved a second term because he was building a legacy of sustainable development.

“In Nigeria, power is being rotated between the North and the South, so I believe it is the turn of the South to complete their eight years in office.

“So there is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027 and I am appealing to all the Northerners in the party to support the president to complete his eight years.

“Regarding the coalition, I can tell you, there is really no political gang-up that can unseat Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

Idimogu said that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda was yielding positive results, hence he did not see the prospect of any opposition candidate reeling out anything better than his.

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“I don’t know which of the candidates will come out today and reel out a policy that is better than what the administration of Tinubu is doing.

“This is because Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is yielding positive results and we can see improved power supply.

“Our naira against the dollar is now gradually appreciating with the restoration of the naira-for-crude deal, and the export drive,” he said.

The ex-lawmaker also noted that the prices of food items were gradually reducing in the market with the implementation of favourable policies to increase farmers’ outputs.

“So I will give it to him (Tinubu). In two years’ time, I will be one of those that will quickly champion his re-election in 2027,” he said.

Idimogu advised the people behind the coalition to instead join hands with the president in the interest of the country. (NAN)

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I’m committed to rebuilding, growing Labour Party, Usman assures party leaders

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The acting National Chairperson of Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, has assured party members and supporters of her commitment to rebuilding and growing the party for future victory.

In a message of appreciation to members and leaders of the party after Wednesday’s NEC meeting in Abuja, Usman assured that a new Labour Party would come out of the crisis which had now been settled by the Supreme Court.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) marked a significant moment in the life of our great party, the Labour Party, as the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Stakeholders’ Interactive Town hall convened in Abuja.

“It was a gathering filled with purpose and clarity, and I was truly honoured to be present among eminent leaders and committed stakeholders — including my dear elder brother and grand leader, H.E Mr Peter Obi and his running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed,” she said.

Usman also acknowledged other leaders of the party in attendance, including the leader of NEC, Gov. Alex Otti, the Deputy Governor of Abia, Ikechukwu Emetu, LP members of the National and State Assembly members as well as representatives of NLC and TUC, leaders of Obidient Movement and other patriotic Nigerians.

She described the meeting as both timely and necessary, as the stakeholders worked collectively to fortify the foundations of the party, build unity and refocus on its enduring mission — building a New Nigeria that works for all.

Usman, a former Minister of Finance, said she was humbled by the resolution passed at the NEC meeting, appointing her as the acting national chairperson to lead the party during the period of transition.

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She also said that a formal visit was paid to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the party’s leadership transition was presented and the outcome of NEC proceedings communicated.

“This is more than a procedural step — it is a demonstration of our collective commitment to due process, internal democracy and the transparent governance that the Nigerian people rightfully expect from us.

“I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Labour Party, the leadership of the NLC and TUC, the Obidient Movement and every Nigerian who continue to believe in this movement.

“To our leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, your steadfastness and integrity continue to inspire millions.

“I reaffirm my commitment to the values and vision that define the Labour Party — a party of the people, for the people.

“Now is not the time for distraction or division. Now is the time to build, with unity, courage and a deep love for our country,” she said.

Usman said together, she and other stakeholders would continue the journey of hope, while pledging to serve with diligence, openness and unwavering focus on shared goals.

NAN

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