Nigerian leaders call for prayers for Nigeria, Buhari at Ramadan
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State and his counterpart from Sokoto State, Aminu Bello Tambuwal, have joined the growing list of concerned leaders who believe in the efficacy of prayers as a solution to the worsening security situation in the country.
During a dinner (lftar) on Monday at Government House, Jos, for Muslim faithful in the state, Lalong tasked Muslims to intensify prayers for Nigeria following the increasing woes of security challenges.
He said concerted efforts were required to address the security challenges militating the country, particularly the kidnapping of students in schools.
“We are passing through a difficult situation with insecurity becoming very worrisome told guests at the dinner which included officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau Branch, and other clerics from the Christian denomination.
“Government and security agencies are doing their best, but we have to encourage them and pray for them as we demand more action. Security as they say is everybody’s business,” he said.
He urged religious leaders to pray for leadership of the nation at all levels, for wisdom in tackling its challenges, saying the country is in a trying period, while tasking them to live by example.
“Avoid using the pulpit for politics and preaching hate and division. Government will not stand by and allow anybody to incite people against one another, because of religion or other differences. The law is there to moderate our conduct,” he said.
He also tasked Nigerians to pray for religious leaders , as some of them may be under pressure to make inciting comments.
The governor said security is one of his major priorities because it is critical for development, while urging Plateau people to cooperate with the state government to sustain peace in the state.
“Already, we have started reaping the benefits of peace as more and more people are coming into Plateau State to invest and live.
“Local and International organisations are falling over one another to hold events in Plateau State which is a clear departure from the past,” he said.
He said the state was already reaping the benefits of peace , with the establishment of Northern Central Coordinating office of the Nigerian Shippers Council and efforts towards establishing a Maritime Resource Centre worth over N15 billion naira.
He said the dinner is an opportunity for Plateau people, irrespective of differences in religion, ethnicity, political persuasions and other differences, to interact to pray for the progress of Plateau and to foster harmonious coexistence.
in a related development, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has urged Islamic scholars in the country to sustain the tempo of prayers for peace and progress of Nigeria.
Tambuwal, in a statement by Muhammad Bello, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, gave the task when he hosted the Ulama to Ramadan breakfast at the Presidential Lodge of Government House, Sokoto, on Monday.
The Governor, while recognising the uncommon efforts the scholars have been making in ensuring that peace reigned in the country, also appealed to them not to give up praying for President Muhammadu Buhari.
“God knows that both in private and in public, we have the President’s safety and well-being at heart. We will continue to pray for his good health so that his wisdom and ability to pilot the affairs of state will not wither or flounder.
“The efforts that you have been making in spearheading prayers for peaceful coexistence and harmony is not lost on government and many in society.
“You’ve been doing well in sermonising and sensitising the people of the state on the prerogative of peace and security.
“You have also been assisting the state government in prosecuting its policies and programmes.
“We all are aware of what is happening in the country. In the situation that we have found ourselves, prayers are key. The country is at crossroads of insecurity and economic distress. We need prayers for things to return to a harmonious normal.
“Nothing will alleviate our collective problems except prayers,” he added. With Agency report
Follow us on social media
