By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

Ahead of the deadline fixed by the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has concluded accommodation arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims who would perform the 2026 Hajj exercise in both Makkah and Madinah.

The Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by his Technical Assistant on Media, Ahmad Muazu

Usman explained that the conclusion of the accommodation uploads and approval/acceptance by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj is in line with the directive of the Vice President Kashim Shettima that all critical Hajj arrangements should be finalised within approved Saudi timelines to safeguard Nigeria’s operational interests.

He acknowledged the guidance and support of the Vice President throughout the process, adding that the high-level delegation sent to Saudi Arabia, the NAHCON board and staff, the Nusuk Masar team, the leadership of the Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and relevant stakeholders were also involved in the accommodation process.

“With the conclusion of these arrangements, Nigeria has secured its accommodation for the 2026 Hajj and is positioned among countries that have completed this critical requirement within the prescribed timelines.

“The commission now proceeds to the next phase of operational preparations for the 2026 Hajj,” the chairman stated.

Usman had earlier reaffirmed the NAHCON’s commitment to early planning, effective coordination and strict adherence to due process for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

According to him, the commission is fully aligned with the policy direction of the federal government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places priority on the welfare and spiritual well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.

He noted that NAHCON, operating under the supervision of Vice President, is focused on ensuring the timely completion of all critical preparations ahead of the pilgrimage.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, SCSN has called for the immediate removal and prosecution of the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, over what it described as compromised electoral integrity.

This was even as the council firmly opposed the federal government’s tax reform, which it noted imposes unjust hardship on ordinary Nigerians, maintaining that all fiscal policies must be equitable, humane, and socially responsible.

President of the SCSN, Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar at the council’s ongoing annual pre-Ramadan lecture and general assembly, attended by Islamic scholars and delegates from across the country on Wednesday in Abuja, declared that no election conducted under such circumstances could be considered credible.

“We demand the immediate removal and prosecution of the INEC chairman and declare that no election conducted under a cloud of compromised integrity can be recognised as credible,” Umar said.

He added that position of the INEC chairman in the legal brief which he established the existence of a Christian genocide, that the federal government has categorically dismissed and said that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, puts him in direct conflict to what is the position of the nation.

The scholar maintained that his position is an act that is unacceptable and has shown that he is clearly religiously biased and as an umpire for the democratic practice of electing a democratic government, there is the need to have someone who is clearly unbiased.

“We need someone whose integrity is not compromised because of the compromise of his integrity, we feel that the honourable thing for him to do is to resign and if not, the government should actually dismiss him or at least retire him compulsorily from the service because his integrity is clearly compromised as far as we are concerned,” he said

Umar also decried the effort to treat with kid gloves, a criminal act and major unconstitutional act by some agents of the Executive arm who substantially altered the approved bill by both chambers of the National Assembly.

He said: “It is our considered view that the National Assembly should conduct a public hearing and more importantly, undertake a comprehensive forensic review of all laws passed since the commencement of this 10th Assembly.

“The Council unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms, and demands that the Government fulfil its constitutional duty to protect every Nigerian life through both security action and peaceful reconciliation, including the aggrieved victims.

“The Council categorically rejects the premeditated false and inflammatory propaganda of a “Christian genocide” narrative, and warns that dishonest public discourse fuels division, mistrust, and national instability.”

He added that the council strongly opposes foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, the establishment of any foreign military base, and affirms that the religious freedom of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah is constitutionally guaranteed and non-negotiable.

On his part, the Madakin Zazzau, Mal. Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru, said since its establishment of the council, it has served as a credible, principled, and courageous voice of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.

“It has consistently demonstrated concern not only for religious matters but also for the broader wellbeing, unity, and development of our nation.

“The Council has distinguished itself through strategic engagements, providing guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, defending constitutional rights, promoting peaceful coexistence, advocating justice, and constructively engaging government and society on critical national issues,” he stressed.

By David Owei,Bayelsa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday, led other members of the family at the funeral of his late father’s younger brother, Chief Jothan Michael Diri, in Sampou community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

Chief Jothan Diri died on October 26, 2025 aged 83 years.

Speaking during a well-attended funeral service at the Reedemed Christain Church of God, Sampou, Governor Diri expressed gratitude to those that stood with the family in their moment of grief, particularly the clergy, which he said had been a pillar of support at all times.

The Bayelsa governor also stated that the presence of politicians that were once opponents at the event and at state functions was a testament to the unity and peace among the political class in the state.

He advised that the trend be sustained as the state needs unity to move forward.

His words: “I thank all of you for joining my family at this solemn event. Most of you have been with us for days, particularly the cleargy. You have always been there for us whenever you are called upon.

“I also thank all those that have supported us in different ways. Even if I do not mention your names, just know that you are appreciated.

“Let me equally say that I am happy anytime I see David Lyon with us; working with us without any bitterness. That is how it should be. Bayelsa is moving forward. “

Delivering the funeral sermon, Pastor Peter Akpe stated that life was borrowed and as such we owe it to God to live in ways that honour Him.

He also said that life was short just as death is only a shadow, urging the congregation not to be afraid of death but to live an impactful life in service to God.

Dr. Akpe, who is also the Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, admonished that although it is inevitable, God has power over death, and that at the right time it will be brought to nothing.

Present at the event were the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Diri, Senator Konbowei Benson representing Bayelsa Central, House of Representatives members – Dr. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Mrs. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass) – as well as Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere and other state legislators.

Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John-Jonah, former Supreme Court jurist and king of Tuomo Kingdom in Delta State, Justice Francis Tabai (rtd), chairman of the All Progressives Congress state caretaker committee, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Executive Director, South South Development Commission, Preye Aganaba, and members of the state executive coulcil.

Others were President of the Custoumary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, Chief Executive Officer, De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore, service commanders, religious leaders and traditional rulers, among others.