Shettima, Sanwo-Olu call for prayer for nation, leaders

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders, for peace and stability of the nation.

They both made this call on Saturday at the 6th Maolud Nabiyy Celebration of the Jam’iyyat Ansariddeen (Attijaniyya) held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos.

Shettima noted that President Bola Tinubu understood the burden of trust handed to him by Nigerians and that the event provided an opportunity for all to reflect and pray for him as well as for all leaders in the country to lead the country to the promised land.

He added that the president is guided by his promise to protect the rights and freedom of all the citizens regardless of their beliefs in the diverse nation, saying that “it is our duties to ensure that every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination.”

The Vice President also said the federal government is committed to building a nation that upholds the rights of each citizen, recognises the rights of each group and emphasises the essence of tolerance, calling on all Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood on government determination to fulfil their obligation to the citizens.

While urging Nigerians to imbibe good practices and understand the consequences of intellectual, spiritual and moral capabilities, the vice president stressed that “We can only guarantee a change in our conditions, if we change that which is within us”.

He emphasised that the condition in the country could only be better if the people change that which is within them.

In his goodwill message, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Hamzat prayed for peace and tranquility in the country and that the Almighty Allah grant the leaders of the country good health, wisdom and guidance to lead the country aright.

According to him, it is only in a peaceful and serene environment that the country and her citizens could experience even development politically, socially and economically, Sanwo-Olu noted that nothing can happen in a society where peace is lacking.

“We pray to Allah to grant us and our leaders more life, bring peace to Nigeria and every state in the country and our families,” the governor said.

He, therefore, charged all to ensure a peaceful co-existence among themselves and always show love to one another and pray always for the leaders to lead them aright and the country to enjoy peace.

In his welcome remark, the President-General, JAM’IYYATU ANSARIDDEEN ATTIJANIYYA and 14th Emir of Kano, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sanusi II, stated that the Maolud celebration is a yearly event where members of the organization gather to recite the Quran 4,444 times to pray for the stability and peace of the county and the protection of all Nigerians irrespective of religion, race or ethnicity.

Speaking further the President-General, therefore, called on everyone, politicians, the business community, religious scholars, traditional rulers, and the people to now focus on ‘Project Nigeria’, and end the division in the country and come together to rebuild the nation.

Commenting on the current situation in the country, Sanusi noted that Tinubu took over the leadership of the country at a very difficult time and said it is time for Nigerians to come together behind the president and put behind politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.

While thanking the federal government, particularly Tinubu for the support accorded the organization, Sanusi assured of the support and prayers of the organization for the President, Governors, and other political office holders in Nigeria for direction to steer the country to a great destination and be able to initiate and implement policies that will move Nigeria forward.