The acting Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Surajo Ado Faskari, has been relieved of his appointment by the FCT Administration.

Special Adviser to the FCT Minister of State on Area Councils and Muslim Pilgrim Affairs, Alhaji Ibraheem Aminu Ibraheem, who disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja yesterday, said the decision to remove the former acting director was taken after a careful study of the report of the 2012 Hajj operation.

He said Hajiya Fatima Gumi, a deputy director of the board has been appointed as the new acting director, stressing that Hajiya Gumi is expected to bring her competence and years of experience to bear in ensuring a hitch-free hajj operation.

Ibrahim said the performance of the former boss of the board fell short of the administration's desire of ensuring that every pilgrim from the FCT performs the hajj in the most conducive atmosphere, stressing that the board's handling of the Mahram issue that affected some female intending pilgrims as well as processing of visas for the pilgrims was very poor.

The special adviser pointed out that a combination these factors as well as late release of Basic Travel Allowance made last year's hajj a harrowing experience for pilgrims from the FCT.

Ibrahim further revealed that the FCT Administration has set machinery in motion for early commencement of preparations for the 2013 Hajj exercise in order to avoid the pitfalls experienced last year.