President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III; Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, and other Islamic leaders across, Nigeria gathered, in Osogbo, on Sunday, to pray for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as for the peace and economic stability of Nigeria.
The prayer was organised by the Osun State Muslim community to pray for peace, security and economic development as well as for the ailing President.
Many imams and a former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, were present at the prayer which was offered by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who is the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Oloyede said Muslims did not celebrate prayers because they pray at all times. He offered prayer to God to save Nigeria from hunger, insecurity and economic crisis.
He said, “We start this by praying specially for President Muhammadu Buhari. May almighty Allah grant him happiness, including health. Every right-thinking person is expecting his return.
“We pray that the almighty Allah will see him back safely and grant him the strength, wherewithal, knowledge, justice to run the great complex country of ours.”
Oloyede also prayed for Aregbesola, whom he described as a good representative of the Muslim community in governance, saying he was just and fair to all irrespective of their religious affiliations.
The JAMB registrar admonished Muslim traditional rulers to shun idolatry and strive to do their best to promote Islam and justice.
In his own address, President, Osun Muslim Community, Salaudeen Olayiwola, read by his deputy, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi, urged Nigerians to pray for the country and its leaders.
Olayiwola also called on Aregbesola to recognise the Sharia Court which adjudicates in cases involving Muslims.
However, the Sultan, during his keynote address, said calling on government to recognise the court was unnecessary.
He said, “If Muslims subjects themselves to the panel, I don’t think anybody should come to recognise this. What we need is the will power to do what the Quran says and not to call for government recognition.”
Aregbesola said it was sad that some Muslims could be given just N200 to embark on suicide missions. He said Muslims should wage a jihad against extreme poverty in order to stop mindless bombings.