Nigeria's Democracy Under Threat: Dr. Kumo Speaks Out Against Arabi's Ouster

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The sacking of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria's (NAHCON) chairman, Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, OON, fwc, has been seen as a violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Mohammed Aliyu Kumo has kicked against the removal of Arabi by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was alleged to have misused N90 billion naira allocated to the commission for the 2024 Hajj operations.

According to Dr. Kumo, the appointment of Arabi followed due process because the office is statutory in nature, and his removal must have followed the same pattern to have him properly nailed. He stated that the appointment is saddled with a five-year tenure, and before an officer of his type can be removed, there must be a committee that will write a report indicting him for falling short of the country's constitutional provisions.

Dr. Kumo said the 2024 Hajj he witnessed was one of the best, and the operations were one of the smoothest. He believes the government should have commended Arabi for bringing up the image of Nigeria in a good light. He called on the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Arabi a fair hearing.

"Please, follow due process and be fair to Jalal by giving him a fair hearing. This is a man who retired clean and sound, having served four former presidents as a permanent secretary. I'm sure he wouldn't have done anything deliberate to tarnish the good name he has built over the years."

Dr. Kumo asked if the government had received any report from Arabi to uncover the infractions in the N90 billion allocated to the commission for the successful operation of the 2024 Hajj.

He called on the present government to give Arabi a fair hearing by letting him submit his own report and then forming a panel committee of investigation to write an independent report that would indict him of any criminal offenses.

Dr. Kumo continued to say that he suspects foul play and is coming to terms with the many rumors that there are cabals in the presidency who may be operating without the knowledge of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"My little understanding of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that he will want to work based on the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria and be fair to all people, irrespective of their religion, tribe, or political background."

Dr. Kumo reiterated his call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be fair to all Nigerians, especially at this time that Arabi is bearing the brunts of wrong accusations coming from all corners under whichever guise or pressure, due to primordial sentiments vested in the hearts of many political associates.