Gowon, Nyako, Others Lead Prayers for Buhari, Advocate Unity

Daji Sani in Yola

 Ibrahim Shuaibu

As President Muhammadu Buhari continues his medical treatment in the United Kingdom, former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and former governor Murtala Nyako, have led prayer sessions for the president in Adamawa state.

Gowon led a two-day prayer session at a Christian rally in Demsa local government area on Thursday and on Friday he also led another prayer session in Song local government area of Adamawa state for the president.

While Gowon was leading the prayers in the two local governments, supporters of ex-governor Nyako under the banner of an association, Buhari Osinbajo Again (BOA) staged a prayer rally for the President on Friday in Yola, Adamawa state capital.

Gowon, in the prayer session, insisted that the survival of the nation lies in tolerance between the Muslim and Christian faithful. He called on both religions to always pray for the nation and the president as he further explained that the tenets of the two religions commanded followers to always pray for their leaders and the nation.
He called on Nigerians to respect one another and shun all forms violence, adding that this is possible so that citizens can live in peace once again.

Thousands of Nyako loyalists walked round major streets in Yola before ending the rally at the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where both Christian and Muslim prayers were offered for the quick recovery of the president.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal who was represented by the Council chairman of Hong Local Government, Ahmad Halliru Lala called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers for the successful recovery of Buhari.
He said Nigeria needed to pray for the incumbent administration of Buhari for it to successfully implement the anti-corruption policies it has started.

“The SGF is calling on you to pray for the president and support his anti-corruption drive. Those who wish him death or pray against his return are thieves. Such people will be defeated”, he stated.

Abdulaziz Nyako who represented his father in the prayer session at the APC secretariat said it was normal for human beings to fall sick irrespective of their age, adding that the rally was a welcome development as it brought patriotic Nigerians together.

According to him, “his father, Murtala Nyako, Senator Muhammad MuAllahyidi Binta Masi, Muallayi and many other politicians including Nuhu Ribadu asked him to convey their gratitude to those who attended the rally.”

The APC Zonal chairman in the Southern Zone, Baba Oga who represent the state chairman of the party, Ibrahim Bilal commended the chairman of Buhari/Osibanjo Again, Yahaya Hammanjulde Vice for organising the rally,

No official of Adamawa State government attended the rally which attracted residents from all walks of life who left their businesses to attend the event.
Those at the rally include the council chairmen of Yola North and Hong, a state legislator, Rufai Gombi and host APC chieftai‎ns that are loyal to Nyako including Uba Dan Arewa and Ibrahim Usman.

Meanwhile, Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC-Katsina) yesterday organised a marathon prayer session by Islamic scholars and groups in his home town Musawa invoking Allah’s protection, guidance and good health for President Buhari.

Senator Ibrahim, who is the Senate Committee Chairman of Police Affairs, said Buhari needs prayers not only for his health, but also divine guidance to lead Nigeria to greatness. He explained that there was no cause for alarm regarding the President’s health, assuring that by available information on daily basis, the President is in high spirit.

The prayers were offered in batches led by reputable Islamic scholars from 11 local government areas in the senatorial district and thousands of residents attended the ceremony.

He enjoined preachers, scholars, school tutors and women groups to offer continued routine prayers for the president and stressed that leaders need constant prayers from their people, hence he decided to join others in organising prayer sessions for the President.

Senator Abu acknowledged that the nation was undergoing positive reforms under the Buhari leadership, as such “needs our encouragement, support and prayers for him to succeed and build a better Nigeria.”

He further announced donation of 100 copies of Holy Qur’an to each of the 11 local government areas in zone to facilitate constant prayers for the president and offered scholarship to 30 children from each local government areas in zone.

Related Articles