Hundreds of Muslim faithful including President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Friday offered special prayers for peace and progress of the country to mark the nation’s 57th independence.
The prayer session was offered during the two-raka’at Juma’at prayer observed at the Aso Villa Mosque, Abuja.
Others at the prayer session included some cabinet ministers, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Siddique Abubakar and the Inspector-General of Police, Idris Ibrahim.
In a sermon that preceded the prayers, the Chief Imam of the Aso Villa Mosque, Mallam Abdulwahid Abubakar, prayed for the peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, and God’s protection for the nation.
Abubakar also prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the country’s leadership and for protection for the nation’s security forces in their fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
He urged Nigerians to always pray and support the government at all levels for the general progress of the country.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, who fielded questions from State House correspondents after the prayer session, stressed the need for Nigerians to continue to coexist in peace and harmony.
“We have achieved a lot. We have been able to maintain our peace despite our diversity. Every nation has been tested, the most important thing now is for us to stay together.
“We should not lose hope. We should continue to pray for the unity of Nigeria,’’ he added.
(NAN)
