A religious group under the umbrella of Concerned Christian Citizens has condemned the payment of N90 billion in Hajj subsidies for Muslims going on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The group condemned the attitude of the government toward funding Hajj exercise for those going on pilgrimage amidst economic hardship and palpable hunger in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by Mrs. Foluso Oyenuga FRAMO and Prof. Bisi Sowunmi on behalf of the group, they described the action of the government as immoral, unjust, and ungodly, especially when many Nigerians are suffering from economic hardship due to government policies and corruption.
According to the statement, "Christians must object to government funding of a purely personal religious affair in a secular state."
The group noted that using public funds to sponsor a select few, especially those who could afford the money for the pilgrimage, is unacceptable. They decried a situation whereby people are dying and there is hardly any subsidy for public health. The group also noted with concern how children are malnourished due to the rate at which prices of basic food items continue to skyrocket in the market.
"We say no more subsidies to Hajj and pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Individuals should pay for themselves. We have students to care for, but we are offering them loans instead of partial scholarships. The government should get their priorities straightened out."
The group, however, called on Nigerians to voice their concerns for the government to take positive actions that will address the challenges facing them
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