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Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage - Politics - Nairaland

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Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by Teewhy2: 8:10am On Jul 21, 2017
The Nigerian Senate was heavily criticised by Nigerians on Thursday for asking the federal government to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to supply dollars at N200 to those going on pilgrimage either to Saudi Arabia or Israel.
If the government consents to the request, it means the allocation of foreign exchange for those planning to embark on the pilgrimage would be subsidised by about 37 per cent.
Currently, the naira exchanges at about N315 to the dollar in the official window, as against about N365 to the dollar at the parallel market is.
The request ignores the provisions in the approved Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, covering all expenditure plans for 2017, and the Appropriation Act, which was earlier approved by the lawmakers, prior to the assent by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.
Following the adoption of the report by the committee on foreign affairs on “Extortion of Pilgrims” by the National Hajj Commission, a former governor of Kebbi State, Adamu Aliero, APC-Kebbi, had requested, as matter of urgency, concession of N200 to the dollar once every year, for those going on pilgrimages.
“The committee strongly recommends the concession of N200 to $1 for 2017 Hajj, to bring down cost to the bearable level,” Mr. Aliero said, after claiming the CBN had been offering FOREX at that rate to some unnamed businesses.
However, a cross section of Nigerians who spoke to PREMIUM Times on Thursday criticised the recommendation, as insensitive and thoughtless.
For Tope Fasua, an economist and Chief Executive Officer, Global Analytics Consulting Limited, conceding to such request would spell disaster to the economy.
“It will confirm that what happened last year was deliberate. It will definitely distort the market and create another confidence crisis.
“I hope it’s not true for it will show we are not serious as a country,” he said.
The lead director, Centre for Social Justice, CENSOJ, Eze Onyekpere, said from this development, it was very clear the National Assembly members have lost touch with reality of the Nigerian situation.
“They do not seem to understand the state of the country’s economy. It is unthinkable that those who are supposed to make laws for our country are making such ridiculous demands, which is selfish to the extreme.
“Giving concession to those going on pilgrimage and ignoring the proposals in the medium term expenditure framework and the budget benchmark in the Appropriation Act is a crazy proposition.
“Anybody who makes such sentimental and senseless request should not be taken seriously. Pilgrimage is a personal thing. Anyone going to seek one’s salvation should look for his private money to fund his trip.
“Asking government to subsidise such trips violates the right of other Nigerians not interested in such jamboree,” Mr. Onyekpere said.
For Chief executive, Pan Africa Development Corporation, Odilim Enwegbara, the request is laughable.
He said the only reason one can discern in this request is that the lawmakers may be looking for cheap funding for their forthcoming vacation. Otherwise, they should know they are not in charge of monetary policy, and cannot direct the CBN to do such a thing, he said.
“Even if they had such powers, the CBN is not in control of the exchange rate of the dollar. By virtue of the CBN floating exchange rate policy, the exchange rate is determined by market forces. Any intervention by the CBN is illegal.
In any case, on what basis are they asking the CBN to allocate dollars for their private religious venture?
“If indeed it is true businesses are given dollars at N200, it is because they are adding value to the economy. What value is pilgrimage adding to the economy? The Senate should be called to order.”
“The National Chairman, Young Democratic, YDP, Ezekiel Nyaetok, said: “I think the tragedy of our nation is shortsightedness of our leaders and their penchant to go for cheap popularity, by emphasising what is clearly not sustainable.”
“Where the country is today, makes more sense to ensure that such spiritual exercises, if at all, should be local. This is a time for serious introspection and sober reflection.
“As much as possible, pilgrimage should be localised, at no cost whatsoever to government. Pilgrimage adds absolutely nothing to the solution to our present situation.
“Asking for subsidy for pilgrimage at a time government is looking for funds to revive our industries and create jobs for the people smacks of shallow thinking. This is the real tragedy I am talking about.”
Last year, the Central Bank was embroiled in a similar controversy that it approved the allocation of foreign exchange to those on pilgrimage at a rate lower than the prevailing rate.
On Thursday, when PREMIUM TIMES contacted the CBN to seek its reaction to the allegation that it approved dollars to businesses at lower exchange rates, its spokesperson, Isaac Okorafor, did not answer his call. He did not also respond to the text message sent to him.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/237609-nigerians-criticise-senate-asking-cbn-give-dollars-n200-pilgrimage.html

Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by Teewhy2: 8:10am On Jul 21, 2017
I refuse to weep for this country but pray that we will get out of this ugly situation we got ourselves and be the giant of africa we claim to be.
our leaders don't care about the citizens but their pocket, is this the kind of policy our leaders are suppose to be considering in passing. there are a lot of companies dying because of the cost of dollars to purchase raw materials for manufacturing and which will provide jobs but our leaders prefer to give that kind of subsidy to people who decides to go on pilgrimage jamboree. i believe if you want to go on that kind of thing to fulfill your religious obligation you should save for it and not on government or other people detriment.
our major issue in Nigeria is not largely corruption but Tribalism and Religion which is affecting and slowing down our development.
i wont be surprised this same politicians will provide money to some people going to pilgrimage to help them buy dollars at N200 and go back to sell at black market at N365.

GOD will help us in this country and direct us back to the right path.
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by CROWNWEALTH019(m): 8:11am On Jul 21, 2017
Satan punish Medina
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by taylor88(m): 8:13am On Jul 21, 2017
lol
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by BiafraBushBoy(m): 8:15am On Jul 21, 2017
Nigerian has been a joke since inception!!

One of the most useless countries on earth!!

No need analyzing the useless country, because we foreigners residing in this Shiit country is doing them a real favour!!
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by sarrki(m): 8:23am On Jul 21, 2017
Our political elites have know understanding about governance

Religious is a personal thing

Anyone that wants to go on pilgrimage should buy

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by olaniyisamuel(m): 8:24am On Jul 21, 2017
sad
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by sarrki(m): 8:24am On Jul 21, 2017
CROWNWEALTH019:
Satan punish Medina

Imbibe religious tolerance

It will widen and broadened your understanding

My friend
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by CROWNWEALTH019(m): 8:27am On Jul 21, 2017
sarrki:


Imbibe religious tolerance

It will widen and broadened your understanding

My friend
Are they tolerant ?
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by omenka(m): 8:28am On Jul 21, 2017
The criminals are simply looking for another route through which they could fleece Nigerians.

If this plan succeeds, ALL the senators, including their immediate and extended family members, their house helps, janitors, drivers, name it, would become pilgrims!

They'd all apply for the dollars and all their applications shall be granted, after which they'd resell the dollars, probably in the black market, making a killing, while perhaps none of them would actually embark on the pilgrimage!

Our legislators are some of the biggest 419ers we have in this country.

1 Like

Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by jamace(m): 8:28am On Jul 21, 2017
Ghost pilgrims will outnumber the real pilgrims o. Nigerians no de fear God/Allah o. Everything is selfish business kowai!
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by madridguy(m): 8:29am On Jul 21, 2017
CBN should ignore this call by the crook senators. CBN should consider businesses that need the forex and not people going for Hajj.
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by nextprince: 8:29am On Jul 21, 2017
CROWNWEALTH019:
Satan punish Medina

Certainly, comments like these are what will never come from muslims. Coincidentally, this and many more others might be the same group talking about tolerance.

Now, what is the relationship between the topic and this comment?
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by Cadamlk: 8:30am On Jul 21, 2017
How has the program improve the welfare of the masses?
Human development..................nay

capital development................. nay

Infrastructural development........nay

Technological advancement........nay

Even political growth.................nay

I see it as a mere tourism. Anyone sole desires it, should endevour to spend his or her money,not depend on the Government for your jamboree.I stand with people that want abolition of Government intervention on this pilgrimage matter
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by madridguy(m): 8:31am On Jul 21, 2017
As in?

CROWNWEALTH019:

Are they tolerant ?
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by sarrki(m): 8:32am On Jul 21, 2017
CROWNWEALTH019:

Are they tolerant ?

Bros we are enlightened

Let's teach them the way Christ did

If it will take us years

I want to use my good way to make people know Christ through my deed ,ways and life

God bless us all
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by adetayo234: 8:37am On Jul 21, 2017
BiafraBushBoy:
Nigerian has been a joke since inception!!

One of the most useless countries on earth!!

No need analyzing the useless country, because we foreigners residing in this Shiit country is doing them a real favour!!

Believe me, no one is forcing you, the foreigners, to stay. If you leave today, we will not notice. We don't need your useless favour; favour that can't repair gully erosion in your 'country."
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by adetayo234: 8:39am On Jul 21, 2017
sarrki:


Imbibe religious tolerance

It will widen and broadened your understanding

My friend

If you support this nonsense, then it tells a lot about your mentality, a mentality of religion slavery.
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by CROWNWEALTH019(m): 8:43am On Jul 21, 2017
madridguy:
As in?

grin morning sir cheesy
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by madridguy(m): 8:46am On Jul 21, 2017
I'm loyal to your government boss. Remember to always pray for Sai Baba.

Good Morning.

CROWNWEALTH019:

grin morning sir cheesy
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by CROWNWEALTH019(m): 8:48am On Jul 21, 2017
madridguy:
I'm loyal to your government boss. Remember to always pray for Sai Baba.

Good Morning.

If he needs ma prayer I need to know what I'm praying about, whether he's dead or alive. Make I no go the waste my prayer point for a dead ani mal
Re: Nigerians Criticise Senate For Asking CBN To Give Dollars At N200 For Pilgrimage by madridguy(m): 8:50am On Jul 21, 2017
Sai Baba is alive battling for his health. Pray for him for good health and speedy recovery.

CROWNWEALTH019:

If he needs ma prayer I need to know what I'm praying about, whether he's dead or alive. Make I no go the waste my prayer point for a dead ani mal

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