Ramadan: Sultan urges prayer for Buhari, IG tightens security

John Alechenu,  Adelani Adepegba, Alexander Okere and Godwin Isenyo, Kaduna

The President-General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, who is also the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, on Monday charged the Muslim Ummah (community) to pray for the well-being of President Muhammadu Buhari who jetted out to London, the United Kingdom on Monday to treat an ear-related ailment.

Abubakar also asked Muslims across the country to fervently pray for the revival of the nation’s economy as they embarked on this year’s Ramadan fast.

The Sultan said this in a statement heralding this year’s commencement of the 30-day-Ramadan fast.

The JNI’s Secretary-General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, issued the statement on behalf of the Sultan in Kaduna.

Abubakar also urged all Muslims to appropriately utilise the spirit of Ramadan by being more God-conscious, through frequent recitation of the Qur’an during the Holy month.

The Sultan added, “In the same vein, Muslim faithful are called upon to fervently pray for Allah’s intervention in uplifting the dwindling economy bedeviling our country, grant Mr. President quick recovery from the ENT illness, relieve us of poverty pang and provide the wherewithal for state governments to pay salaries and grant sustainable peace, stability and security in our dear nation, Nigeria.

“Similarly, state governments and wealthy Muslims are called upon to extend benevolent gestures to the millions of IDPs spread across the country and beyond. This is the time that they really need such assistance more.”

Also, the  Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has expressed solidarity with Muslims as they commence this year’s Ramadan fast.

 To ensure a peaceful fasting period across the country, the IG has directed all the states’ Commissioners of Police to personally ensure that key and vulnerable points, all places of worship, recreation centres, resorts and other public places were adequately and effectively protected.

This, he said,  was to enable worshippers and the general public to enjoy maximum fulfillment, during and after the Ramadan and the Eid-el- Fitri celebration.

Arase in a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, Bisi Kolawole, sought the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians, “assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.”

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to offer prayers for peace in the state ahead of the governorship  election scheduled to hold on September 10.

Oshiomhole, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, on Monday described the period as one which offered the faithful the opportunity to re-dedicate themselves to their Maker.

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