The presidency has defended the subsidy approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for Muslim pilgrims to Hajj 2016.
Special Assistant to the president, Garba Shehu said:
FOREX for Hajj 2016
The exchange rate of N197:00 to a Dollar was approved by the President about three months ago, much earlier than the new FOREX regime came into being.
The Chairman of the Hajj Commission has confirmed that it is non-discriminatory.
It was approved for Christian and Muslim pilgrimages for this year. The CBN has offered an explanation.
However, Nigerians have vehemently criticised both President Buhari for the approval and Garba Shehu for defending it.
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GLAMOD OMOKHUDU MUBARAK
“Hajj is not by force…. ALLAH only make it mandatory for those who have the excess means of doing so.
“Govt subsidising dollars for hajj, at this time industries are closing up as a result of scarcity and inflated FOREX rate… is satanic, inhuman, anti-Islamic and barbaric. I thought the last govt was clueless …until dis Buhari govt came on board. We owe Jonathan apology.”
AFAHOKOR AKPOVIENEHE DUNCAN
“Very wrong! “Nigeria is a secular state by virtue of section 10 of the Constitution.
“The government should hands off religious issues, be it Christianity or Islam”.
PRINCE IKE-BENSON
“Nigerians seem to misunderstand the language of privileged government.
“Buhari got 97 percent of his vote from the Nigerian Muslims and statistics has proved that they are the majority.
“Politics cuts across religious lines in Nigeria and Buhari’s Political ideology is based on tribe, region and religion.
“He cares less about technology, infrastructure, and economy.
“Every policy that will favour Islam, and Northern majority is what Buhari will consider.
“I thought Nigerians are aware of this before endorsing him as president. Nigerians should stop making noise and enjoy their mess.
“This is just part one. The telemundo has 8 parts.
“Buhari will not leave Nigeria until he has fulfilled his mission that made him fight for power over 30 yrs from his ousting.
“If he sees that he will not come back in 2019 he will use the military to come back.
“Wonder why he is empowering the military and using them to police Nigeria?
“Let’s watch and see things unfold, but while it unfolds enjoy the drama!”
MUSA JAWANDO JAWANDO
“Is it a must for government to sponsor pilgrimage?
“How much forex at N197 was approved for manufacturers and local producers three months ago?
“Oga Garba Shehu, this was not the change we clamoured and voted for as your principal don dey make me vex since this nonsense forex news was broken.
“Believe me, once a diehard Buharist like my little self loses confidence in this government, you can as well take it to the bank that this government is finished.
“Some of us knew the economy was bastardised before he assumed office but with such policy, like giving forex for pilgrimage in this recession time, is totally unacceptable.
“Tell your oga, he don dey fumble and this is a simple truth.”
EDDY OSE
“Approved for Christians and Muslims but not for students and importers?
“What happens to religion is a private affairs!
“Continue with your change. 4 years is not forever. Naira now worse than Zim Dollars.”
KINGSLEY ANYIAM
“Nonsense! Christian don’t go on pilgrim. It is purely a Muslim injunction.
“Shame on all you. Million are dying and many more are out of job. Yet you have a N10B to waste.”