President Tinubu Seeks Divine Intervention For Nigeria’s Stability And Progress.
President Bola Tinubu has called for divine intervention in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including national stability, peace, and the protection of lives and property.
The President made the appeal on Friday during a special prayer session at the National Mosque in Abuja, held ahead of his 73rd birthday on Saturday, 29th March. Tinubu, who joined fellow Muslims in observing two Rakat Jumaat prayers, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for preserving him in the task of leading the nation.
Prayers for National Stability and Progress
Speaking after the prayer session, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to fostering peace and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.
“I prayed for our country to stabilise, keep in peace, and safeguard all the citizens,” he stated.
He also expressed joy and gratitude for his life and for the opportunity to serve Nigeria, adding:
“I feel good; I feel happy, and we give thanks to Almighty Allah that has protected us so far. May He continue to answer our prayers and accept our ibadah. That is key and very important to all of us—a prayer for our country to stabilise, keep in peace, and safeguard our people.”
Tinubu emphasised the importance of both hard work and prayer in governance, saying:
“Well, the word for all of these is hard work; you work harder, you pray harder. That is the inspiration that I got from all of these. We thank God Almighty that at this stage, we are in it.”
Call for Nationwide Prayers
With his birthday coinciding with the peak of Ramadan and coming two months before his administration’s second anniversary, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to join in prayers for the nation. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he invited citizens to offer prayers in their respective places of worship or wherever they may be.
Expressing appreciation for the support and goodwill of Nigerians, the President reaffirmed his commitment to economic reforms, security improvements, and expanding opportunities for all.
“I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with renewed hope for Nigeria. I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives,” Tinubu stated.
Criticism of the Call for Prayers
Meanwhile, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate in the last Ondo State governorship election and a member of the TakeItBack Movement, criticised Tinubu’s call for prayers.
Ajayi described it as “audaciously embarrassing” and argued that Nigerians should respond with organised mass action rather than prayer.
“The plea is, to say the least, an injurious confidence to inflict wounds and rub salt on the same,” he said, adding that the ruling class could no longer rely on religion to pacify the people.
He urged religious leaders to follow the example of Latin American churches that stood against oppressive regimes, emphasising that Nigerians were facing worsening economic hardships.
“The wicked resort to sharing disgraceful crumbs as palliatives is an attempt to distract from the new austerity measures imposed over the past two years. Muslims, Christians, and indeed all Nigerians should come together to lead the country towards a new world,” Ajayi stated.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As President Tinubu marks his 73rd birthday, his call for prayers underscores the significant challenges facing Nigeria. While many citizens support his vision of renewed hope, others argue that tangible economic and social reforms are more pressing. With the second anniversary of his administration approaching, the focus remains on how the government will address the nation’s concerns.
