Defending Integrity: President Tinubu Must Stand Firm Against Malicious Attacks on NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi
By Mallam Nafiu Mohammed
In Nigeria’s public administration, corruption allegations often fuel political battles. The recent attacks on NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, known as Prof. Pakistan for his Islamic studies expertise, exemplify malicious propaganda. Baseless claims of over ₦50 billion in fraud in 2025 Hajj operations, including unauthorised spending on tents, housing, and travel, are amplified by media and interest groups. These accusations form a coordinated plot to undermine his integrity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must reject this blackmail and support Usman in enhancing NAHCON’s transparency and efficiency.
The allegations stem from exaggerated 2025 Hajj challenges. EFCC investigations target NAHCON officials, but Usman has cooperated, admitting pre-tenure “dirty deals” in a House hearing. Detractors, possibly motivated by 2027 elections, twist facts to blame him. A Vanguard News report exposed a viral video falsely linking him to 2024 Hajj issues, despite his non-involvement. The Tinubu Vanguard for 2027 calls these attacks orchestrated to target northern technocrats and weaken Tinubu’s base.
Usman’s record proves his trustworthiness. Appointed in late 2024, he offers decades of Islamic scholarship and public service. His reforms improve pilgrim welfare, transparency, and efficiency. Defenders, via NAHCON releases, deny defamatory reports like those from Newspoint Nigeria as fabricated. Usman commits to rooting out corruption, not perpetuating it.
Tinubu must ignore the NAHCON board or external agitators frustrated by Usman’s anti-corruption stance. Yielding to blackmail would undermine reforms and signal weakness. Instead, empower Usman for progress. Warn administration members: frustrators face sackings. These attacks aim to sow northern discord and harm Tinubu’s reelection. Supporting Usman reinforces zero tolerance for graft.
In conclusion, claims against Usman are ploys by corrupt forces. Tinubu must trust his integrity, resist blackmail, and back anti-corruption fighters. NAHCON’s future depends on it.
Mallam Nafiu Mohammed wrote from Abuja.
