President Muhammadu Buhari has given reasons why he observes Juma’at prayers at the Presidential Villa, and not the National Mosque in Abuja.
He
said he deliberately decided to be worshipping inside the villa to
prevent the constraints and inconveniences presidential movements may
cause to the people.
The President was responding to a request by
a delegation of Imams and Senior Islamic Scholars from all States of
the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory led by Prof. Shehu
Ahmad Galadanci, the Murshid, National Mosque.
‘‘Regarding
your request for me to be attending Juma’at prayers in the National
Mosque, I implore you to note that I personally started observing
Juma’at prayers in the State House in order to reduce hardships which
people may pass through.
‘‘As you all know, Presidential
movements require roadblocks and other attendant restrictions which
could subject worshippers and other people to a lot of difficulties,’’
the President told the Islamic scholars who were at State House to
congratulate him on his overwhelming victory at the February 23
presidential election.
Buhari welcomed the counsel of the
Islamic scholars on the teachings of the Prophet about the obligations
of leaders towards their subjects, and vice-versa.
The President
thanked them for their prayers and support for his administration,
assuring that the administration will leave no stone unturned in
addressing the security challenges facing the country.
Congratulating
the President on his re-election, Prof Galadanci noted that the victory
demonstrates the desire of the majority of Nigerians to ensure the
continuity of the administration to the next level.
He prayed
that Almighty Allah would grant the President the ability to continue
with the ‘‘excellent work’’ he is doing for the country.
Highlighting
noteworthy achievements of the Buhari administration in the area of
security, agriculture and the fight against corruption, the leader of
the group urged the President to remain focused while praying Allah to
continue to give him the power to ‘‘annihilate and wipe off’’ pockets of
terrorists in the country.
Share your thoughts