Atedo Peterside, the founder of Stanbic IBTC and the ANAP Foundation, has criticized the Federal Government’s N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj, calling it a setback for the nation’s economy.
Peterside expressed his views during an interview on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” on Thursday.
This follows Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima’s announcement that the Federal Government subsidized this year’s Hajj pilgrimage with N90 billion.
He made these remarks during the launch of the 2024 inaugural flight of Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi.
He suggested that the decision carries a political implication in anticipation of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
READ ALSO: Amid Widespread Hardship, Tinubu Approved N90 Billion to Subsidise Cost of 2024 Hajj, Says Shettima
He said, “This is not about religion but about politics. We are mixing religion and politics.
“So, what do we now expect Christians to do? To say they want their own share of this subsidy?
“How are you going to refuse them? This is all about politics. Perhaps someone feels that ‘it is time for me to score some cheap political points’.
“You now come and send the wrong signal about our economy at a time when our economy is in deep trouble. We need to bring ourselves out of the hole.
“Each time you turn around and do something insignificant like this (hajj subsidy) and throw away N90 billion, you set back the process by which investors and others can take you seriously.
“For me, it is not just about religion and pilgrimage. It is the setback of the economy by sending the wrong signals. The government should stop sending the wrong signals.” He said.
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