The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has convened a special national prayer for Wednesday, September 30, at the Abuja National Mosque Complex. The prayer, which will hold from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., aims to provide Muslims across Nigeria an opportunity to collectively seek Allah's guidance, protection, peace, and blessings for the nation and its citizens.
During a meeting with the Council of the Wise, Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Sultan urged Nigerians to shun insults on political leaders. Instead, he encouraged them to use their votes to effect changes at the 2027 general elections if they are not satisfied with their performance.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), headed by the Sultan, stated that the national prayer will be followed by the NSCIA General Assembly on Thursday, October 1, at the same venue. The assembly, which begins at 10 a.m., is expected to provide a broad platform for consultation, reflection, and consideration of issues affecting the body, the Muslim Ummah, and the nation.
The Sultan further emphasized the importance of supporting leaders while they remain in office, praying for them, and offering constructive advice whenever they believe they are on the wrong path. This, he believes, will promote good governance and sustainable development in the country.
Earlier, Justice Ariwoola stated that the reconstituted Council of the Wise was established to contribute to peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections. The council seeks the Sultan's support in appealing to political parties and candidates to ensure campaigns free of rancor, hate speech, inflammatory statements, and violence.
The NSCIA Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, urged Muslims to use the national prayer occasion to pray for continued peace, unity, security, good governance, and sustainable development in the country. This, he believes, will foster a more conducive environment for the nation's growth and development.
The Sultan's call for Nigerians to vote out bad leaders and his convening of a national prayer demonstrate his commitment to promoting peaceful and credible elections, as well as good governance in the country. The national prayer and NSCIA General Assembly are expected to bring together Muslims and other stakeholders to reflect on the nation's progress and challenges.
Key points
- The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, has convened a national prayer on September 30, urging Muslims to pray for peace, unity, and good governance in Nigeria.
- The Sultan has also called on Nigerians to use their votes to effect change in the 2027 general elections if they are not satisfied with their leaders' performance.
- The national prayer will be followed by the NSCIA General Assembly on October 1, which aims to promote consultation, reflection, and consideration of issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and the nation.
