By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has called on all concerned Federal Government agencies, particularly the the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to always consider the Hajj period when scheduling elections and political activities.
The Governor especially urged the Presidency to always srudy the calender of religious activities before scheduling a national activity such as general elections.
The Governor was speaking on Wednesday, when bid the the 2090 intending Muslim pilgrims from the State for the 2026 Hajj exercise farewell at the Sa’ad Abubakar III International Hajj Camp, Bauchi.
He noted that any clash deprives many Muslims of the opportunity to fulfil the religious obligation of performing the Hajj.
The Governor described Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam and a sacred opportunity for spiritual purification, forgiveness of sins, and renewal of faith.
Bala Mohammed urged the intending pilgrims to see the pilgrimage as a divine invitation and conduct themselves with discipline, humility, and devotion throughout the spiritual journey.
He also said that the exercise promotes unity, equality, patience, and sacrifice among Muslims from different parts of the world.
Bala Mohammed assured that the State Government has made adequate arrangements to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims, including provision of quality accommodation close to the Holy Mosque, feeding, medical services, and other essential logistics both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He added that officials, including the Amirul Hajj, board members, and support staff, will be on ground to guide the pilgrims at every stage of the exercise.
The Governor commended the efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Saudi authorities, aviation and security agencies, as well as the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, for their roles in ensuring a smooth operation.
He also urged the pilgrims to be law-abiding and worthy ambassadors of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Suleiman, in his remarks, lamented that not fewer than 500 intending pilgrims including himself will not perform the Islamic rites due to stringent conditions by the authoritirs of Saudi Arabia.
The Deputy Amirul Hajj 2026, however assured that come 2027, those who could not make it this year, will be the first to be considered.
In his remarks, the Amirul Hajj and Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmad Suleiman, mni, urged the intending pilgrims to maintain discipline, patience, and unity, while adhering strictly to the teachings of Islam and regulations guiding the pilgrimage.
He assured that the delegation will work closely with officials to safeguard the welfare and ensure a successful Hajj exercise for all pilgrims from the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdulrahman Ibrahim Idris, said all necessary arrangements have been concluded to guarantee a hitch-free exercise.
He noted that provisions for transportation, accommodation, feeding, and medical support have been carefully put in place in line with required standards.
Imam Abdulrahman Ibrahim Idris called on the pilgrims to cooperate fully with officials and adhere to laid-down guidelines, assuring that their welfare remains the top priority of the Board throughout their stay in the Holy Land.
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