Niger deputy gov returns N25m to govt coffers

09.05.2008

The Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto, has returned N25 million to the coffers of the government, an official said.

Alhaji Isa Adamu, the Secretary of the State’s Pilgrims Board, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Minna that the amount was part of the N400 million for the 2007/2008 Hajj contingency fund.

Adamu said the deputy governor, who was the leader of the state delegation to the Hajj operation, returned the money in line with government’s policy.

He commended the deputy governor for the commitment to service and concern for the rule of the law as demonstrated by the return of the unspent funds.

The secretary urged other leaders to emulate the example of Ibeto by adhering to the principle of accountability and selfless service to the people.

Commenting on the recent removal of subsidy by the Federal Government, he said the removal would not lead to any increase in the Hajj fares as being speculated in some quarters.

“The removal of the subsidy borders on the exchange rates, as at the moment, the naira has appreciated against the dollar, as such, the subsidy is not required,” Adamu said.

He therefore, appealed to intending pilgrims from the state to start depositing their money with the area pilgrim officers, using the last rate of N3,350 monthly, until the National Hajj Commission made a pronouncement on the new rates.