By Hassan A. Kaforfi, Correspondent (Dutse)

In a press conference addressed by the executive secretary of the board, Alhaji Abdulkadir A. Maje, the board described as false, allegations that the board had fictitiously compiled names of pilgrims to be spon-sored and subsequently sold their seats to interested pilgrims.
According to the board’s secretary, the state government had initiated the spo-nsorship to enable benefi-ciaries who could not pay for themselves have access to the fulfilling of the funda-mentals of Islam.
He said a total of 1,000 pilgrims were sponsored by the state and these were drawn from NGOs, medical staffs, security agencies, politicians, associations, the Ulama traditional and local government councils as well as many others from across the country.
Alhaji Maje said the rationale was to assist the less privileged in the disc-harge of God’s religious obligation.
He added that all relevant passports, visas etc were processed, payment of accommodation and royalties made including payments of US $500 to all the pilgrims.
Alhaji Maje said altho-ugh some isolated cases of 120 of the 1,000 people scheduled to travel could not due to problems associated with visa and absenteeism during distribution of documents as well as mix-up of names, the entire operations was successful.
“It is on record that none of the pilgrims spent more than 12 days in the holy land,” he added.
The executive secretary said the issue of Hajj sponsorship to Mecca and Israel is an annual event all gov-ernments carry out, adding that “it is quite unfortunate that some people are out to cause mischief in an oper-ation that deserves comm-endation.”
He equally challenged those accusing the Jigawa state government to fear Allah as whatever they say will be judged in the hereafter.
In any case, however, he said expenditures are unde-rtaken by governments in the field of sport jamborees, political gatherings like the national dialogue, burials and other ceremonies.”
The executive secretary also challenged the accusers of misconception and mischief which he said cannot deter the good intention of government.
It could be recalled that governor Ibrahim Turaki has since announced the cancellation of further Hajj spons-orship and announced government’s decision to re-channel the funds being used for the provision of infrastructures.