The founder and Director, Muslims Rights concern, Prof. Ishaq Akintola has commended President Bola Tinubu for releasing the sum of N90 billion subsidy to support 2024 hajj pilgrims to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, insisting that the gesture is met for welfarism.
Akintola who made the assertion when he featured on Wednesday April 3rd 2024 Arise Television interview, stated that the government does not need to sponsor religion, but worthy individuals who cannot afford the fares to pilgrimage.
He described the controversy surrounding federal government decision that was echoed at the House of Representatives as needless and misplaced.
The human right defender spoke against the backdrop of critics by Nigerians that the government decision violated constitutional principles and suggested alternative approach government could support religious duties, after Ramadan fast.
Akintola said, “Let this cup pass and then we will know what the critics are. If we want to criticize, we must criticize constructively. Tinubu has been very faire to both Christians and Muslims.
“Who did this to Nigeria? Why must our neighbours want something for Christians and nothing to Muslims. It does not agree with the values of religion and norms of religion. We need to be very objective when we are criticising.
“There was free bags of rice worth N200 million, dolled out to Christians through the House of Representatives during December 2023 Christmas, and Muslims didn’t complain.
It think the government should come in when there is crisis. Government does not need to sponsor religion, but individuals who have problems during cases like this. This is welfarism.
“It is an attempt to bailout Nigerian Citizens who are in trouble. Imagine if a Nigerian is stranded in the street of Frankfort. He is hungry, thirsty, broke, homeless, and he appeals through the Media. And the Nigerian Embassy heard about it, do you need to amend its Constitution before it intervenes?”, Akintola asked.
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