By Kazeem Waris
The Sokoto State Government has sought divine intervention against insecurity and prayed for peaceful, credible and hitch-free general elections in 2027 as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary.
The prayers, held across eight Jumu’at mosques in Sokoto metropolis, also focused on an end to violence, banditry and other security challenges confronting the country.
At the Usman bin Affan Jumu’at Mosque, Gawon Nama, seven Islamic scholars led by the Chief Imam, Sheikh Yahuza Shehu Tambuwal, offered prayers for peace, security and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The clerics also prayed for wisdom and divine guidance for the country’s leaders to enable them tackle the challenges threatening national peace, stability and development.
As the country begins preparations for the 2027 general elections, the clerics specifically prayed for peaceful polls.
“Ya Allah, as the 2027 elections approach, we pray for peaceful and hitch-free general elections,” they prayed.
They also prayed for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu in the forthcoming elections, according to a statement issued by the Sokoto State Government.
The special prayers were held at the Shehu Usman Danfodiyo, Sultan Bello, Usman bin Affan, Sheikh Sidi Attahiru, Sheikh Buhari Siriddawa, Buhari Dan Shehu, Sultan Sa’ad and Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Jumu’at mosques along Bodinga Road.
The clerics called for greater understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, religious and cultural communities, stressing the need for collective responsibility in overcoming the country’s challenges.
They prayed for an end to violence, banditry and other forms of insecurity and sought Allah’s protection for citizens and guidance for those entrusted with leadership.
The Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, attended the prayers alongside the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Aminu Haliru Dikko, mni, and the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Haruna Adiya.
Also present were the Chairman of the APC Elders Committee, Abdullahi Aminu Tambari; Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno; Commissioner for Information, Sambo Bello Danchadi; Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Jabir Sani Mai Hulla; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Isa Muhammad Tambagarka; and Commissioner for Transportation, Bala Kokani.
Other participants included special advisers, senior special assistants, representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, as well as other senior government officials.
The Sokoto State Government said the Independence Day prayers had become an annual feature of the state’s activities marking Nigeria’s independence, reflecting the importance attached to peace, stability and national progress.
The prayers provided an opportunity for reflection on Nigeria’s journey since independence on October 1, 1960, with emphasis on the need to preserve national unity, protect lives and property and strengthen peaceful coexistence.
The state government also used the occasion to urge continued collective efforts towards addressing the security and socio-economic challenges confronting the country.
Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary comes as the country continues its constitutional democratic journey amid security, economic and political challenges, with attention gradually shifting towards the 2027 general elections.
