Yobe Governor Urges Clerics to Intensify Prayers for National Peace and Leadership
In a significant move to bolster national unity and security, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has called upon religious leaders to offer fervent prayers for Nigeria, its President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other key leaders. This appeal was made during a series of consultative meetings held at the Government House in Damaturu on Tuesday, which brought together more than 800 Chief Imams from various Friday Jummat mosques across the state.
Emphasis on Peace and Development
Governor Buni underscored the critical need for prayers and fasting to counteract what he described as internal and external evil machinations threatening the nation's stability. He stressed that without peace, meaningful development is unattainable, highlighting the importance of collective support for leaders in combating insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have resulted in significant loss of lives and property.
Reflecting on Yobe's past struggles with Boko Haram, Buni lamented the tragic experiences of killings, displacements, and destruction, urging that such events must not be repeated. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state and supporting federal efforts to safeguard it.
National Unity and Responsibility
The governor reminded attendees that Nigeria, as Africa's most populous country, serves as a beacon for other nations on the continent, which look to it for leadership and pray for its peace. He asserted that citizens have no other homeland and thus bear a responsibility to pray for lasting peace, prosperity, and divine guidance for President Tinubu and all leaders.
Babagana Malam Kyari, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, noted that the meeting aimed to reinforce the Imams' role in praying for the nation and its leaders. He expressed joy over the relative peace and harmony in Yobe, attributing it to the clerics' understanding and prayers.
Future Engagements and Commitments
Kyari announced that a second phase of the meeting would involve Reverends, Pastors, and other church leaders from across the state, further broadening the interfaith prayer initiative. The attending Imams pledged to convey messages of peace and coexistence to their congregations and to intensify prayers for the country, President Tinubu, Governor Buni, and other leaders to ensure prosperity and stability.
This gathering marks a proactive step by the Yobe State government to harness religious influence in promoting national cohesion and addressing security challenges, with a clear focus on sustained economic growth and unity across all 774 Local Government Areas.
