The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has issued a stern warning to Christian pilgrims travelling to Israel and Jordan, cautioning them against abandoning their groups and urging them to uphold Nigeria’s reputation while abroad.
Speaking at a pre-departure orientation for more than 142 pilgrims, Mahmoud stressed the importance of representing Nigeria with dignity. “Stringent measures have been instituted to prevent abscondment and any act capable of bringing disrepute to the country,” she said, adding that the federal government has implemented proactive measures to counter such efforts.
The acting director of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Gloria Dandam, echoed the minister’s zero-tolerance stance. She warned that the legal guarantors of any pilgrim who fails to return will be held accountable.
“We don’t anticipate any abscondment, but if it happens, the guarantors will be arrested and prosecuted,” Dandam said. “They signed legal documents and will be held responsible.”
The minister also called on the pilgrims to pray for President Bola Tinubu and his administration, asking for their support for the government’s efforts to improve national governance and unity. The FCT has mainta
