Saudi Arabia commends Nigerian pilgrims’ conduct

Saudi Arabia commends Nigerian pilgrims’ conduct
Qasim Akinreti,Makkah , Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian authorities have commended the conduct of Nigerian Muslims and officials in this year’s hajj.

The Amir Hajj and commissioner for home affairs Lagos  state, Oyinlomo Danmole, told Voice of Nigeria  in Makkah that the commendation was a true reflection of the high level of discipline, comportment and spiritual upliftment exhibited by Nigerian pilgrims in the holy land.

He equally attributed the success recorded so far in the hajj operation to the good accommodation in Makkah, Medina and Muna.

In his words, “accommodation this year is one of the best. it's really value for money. We have prepared nice tents for them at Muna”.

Danmole refuted the insinuation that politicians get the highest number of hajj slots. According to him, state sponsorship for the hajj covers all stakeholders like police, media, clerics,  and community leaders.

Tribunal instils discipline

Meanwhile, the Lagos state hajj tribunal has instilled discipline among Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia through counselling and public enlightenment.

Chairman of the Lagos Pilgrims’ Tribunal, Justice Kafeel Dawodu, told Voice of Nigeria’s correspondent in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that the existence of the tribunal has curbed any act of indiscipline or misconduct among the pilgrims as they often resolve disputes among themselves.

He said the tribunal helped in educating pilgrims regularly on the need to maintain peace among themselves and be good ambassadors of Nigeria at all times.

According to him, complaints sheets were made available for the pilgrims to file their cases before the tribunal and the committee quickly moves in when informed of any incident.      
   
Sanctions

Although no one has been sanctioned so far, two cases have been treated by the tribunal in Saudi Arabia.  The first case is between a Lagos pilgrim and an outsider.

Dawodu explained that, when summoned, the aggressor apologised to the pilgrim and the tribunal later proceeded to the hostel enlightening people to avoid tribal clash.

The second incident he said has to do with misunderstanding on the use of air-conditioners at intervals in the apartment.

He stated that the board informed the pilgrims of the existence of the tribunal in Lagos, South-west Nigeria, during a seminar and were made to know that anyone found culpable of misconduct would be sanctioned.

Williams