‘Even there’s ashawo joint close to Mount Sinai’ – Melaye kicks against govt sponsoring pilgrimages

Former Lawmaker Criticizes Government Spending on Religious Pilgrimages

In a recent interview shared on social media, former lawmaker Dino Melaye expressed his concerns regarding government involvement in religious activities. He argued that matters of faith and an individual’s connection to God should be personal and not funded by taxpayer dollars.

Melaye stated that churches, mosques, and affluent individuals should bear the responsibility of financing religious pilgrimages instead of relying on public resources. He remarked, “That is the function of churches. That is the function of billionaires who have made money and can sponsor people on religious pilgrimage.”

He further questioned the allocation of public funds for religious purposes, specifically referencing the billions spent annually on sending citizens to pilgrimage sites in Mecca and Jerusalem. “Why will the government be spending billions of naira that is supposed to be meant for development?” Melaye asked, pointing to the state of infrastructure and healthcare in the country.

Melaye did not shy away from making provocative statements about the environment surrounding some pilgrimage destinations. He noted, “Even Jerusalem that you are going to, just close to Mount Sinai where you go to pray, there’s an ‘ashawo’ joint by the edge there,” implying that the conditions of these sites could challenge the sincerity of some pilgrims.

Identifying as a spiritual individual, Melaye emphasized that personal beliefs should not overshadow the government’s obligation to provide essential services. “You cannot make what is meant for the development of the people and then place it on religion. It’s myopia,” he stated.

Highlighting the global success of organizations like the United Nations, Melaye argued that religion should not be a factor in governance. He remarked, “There’s no opening prayer. There’s no closing prayer. And they are successful. You know why? Religion is personal. It’s individualistic.”

Melaye concluded his remarks by urging the federal government to reassess its financial priorities, advocating for a focus on infrastructure, education, technology, industrialization, and economic development. He asserted that ultimately, individuals will be accountable for their spiritual paths, stating, “On Judgment Day, it shall be you and your God. The federal government will have no role to play.”

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