From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
As Nigeria marks 57 years of independence, President Muhammadu Buhari was joined for the Special Jum’at prayer on Friday at the presidential villa mosque, Abuja, by former Vice President Mohammed Sambo.
It was the first time Sambo would observe Ju’mat prayer at the Aso Rock mosque since he left office in 2015, although he had been to the Villa on courtesy call to his successor, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Also at the service were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique; Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris; and Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali.
Others were Minister of the Interior, Abdurahman Danbazzau; Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; Communications, Adebayo Shittu and some other senior presidency officials
Senate President Bukola Saraki told journalists after the prayers that there is much to celebrate despite the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria.
“A lot of people would say what are we congratulating ourselves about, 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 shouldn’t lose hope. We should continue to pray for the unity of Nigeria.”
While Sambo left the Villa after the service and exchanging pleasantries with fellow worshippers, Saraki proceeded to Buhari’s official residence for a closed-door meeting with him.
President Buhari is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Sunday October 1, 2017, to mark the country’s 57th independence anniversary.
An interdenominational church service is scheduled to hold on Sunday at the National Christian Centre, Abuja in continuation of the independence anniversary. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to be there as the special guest of honour.