The National Council of Muslim Youth Organizations has appealed to the Federal Government for a downward review of the exchange rate approved for pilgrims to this year’s hajj.
The group in a statement implored the Federal Government to consider the relative importance of the religious undertaking to the nation as it offers opportunity for Nigerians performing the hajj a “journey of a life time” to pray for the nation to overcome its multiple challenges as well as the well being of other Nigerians.
NACOMYO, while saying it is not unmindful of the implications of such review on the country’s economy, noted that the pilgrimage involves strict spiritual observance, devotions by pilgrims and coupled with their sincerity of purpose as well as deep sense of patriotism put the nation at an advantage as the faithful will pray for God to guide the nation’s leaders aright and move us from the quagmire.
The apex Muslim youth body stated that the approved rate has resulted into astronomical increase of the hajj fare and beyond the average Muslims who would have made it to the holy land, just as it will also hold back National Hajj Commission of Nigeria from meeting its allocation approved by Saudi authorities.
NACOMYO also called for understanding on the part of government, stakeholders and managers of the country’s economy, urging them to be tolerant in the overall interest of nation building.
Meanwhile, NACOMYO has condemned what it described as the senseless, idiotic and irrational behavior of the Arewa Youth Forum restricting lawful citizens to a part of the country.
It described it as an abomination and ethnic hatred that should not rear its ugly head in a civilized nation like Nigeria.
It said the action is an intimidation and undermines the country’s corporate existence.
According to the apex Muslim youth body, Nigerians should not be made aliens in their country and therefore no effort should be spared by government in bringing the leadership of the regional group to question.
It hailed the Federal and Kaduna State Governments’ promptness and pro-activeness in the division being orchestrated by the Arewa youth, and with serious implication on the next dispensation and must be investigated.