From: Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has called on Nigerian clerics to intensify prayers for the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other national leaders, warning that without peace, no meaningful development can take place.
Speaking during the first phase of a meeting with over 800 chief imams of Friday Jumu’at mosques across the state, Buni said Nigeria urgently needs prayers to counter internal and external evil machinations, ensure peace, and guarantee prosperity.
“There would be no meaningful development without peace,” Buni said.
“That is why it is important for us to come together to support our leaders to save our country.”
The governor reminded the religious leaders of Yobe State’s tragic experience at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, when many people were killed, millions displaced, and properties destroyed.
“We cannot afford to be drawn back to such an experience,” he warned.
“Therefore, we should support our leaders for Nigeria to remain united and peaceful.”
Buni expressed gratitude for the relative peace the state now enjoys, adding that the government would support the federal government to guard it jealously.
He also noted that as Africa’s most populous country, many nations on the continent look up to Nigeria and pray for peace to reign there.
“They have no other country to call home except Nigeria,” the governor said.
“It is our responsibility as citizens to pray for lasting peace and prosperity, and for God to guide President Tinubu and all other leaders.”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Ustaz Babagana Malam Kyari, explained that the meeting was designed to remind imams of the need to pray for the country and its leaders.
“It is a great joy that here in Yobe State, we enjoy peace and harmony among our clerics and the understanding of the need for prayers for our leaders,” Kyari said.
