Date: 2017-03-10

People of Kwara state have held a special prayer for quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari in Lafiagi, Edu local government area of the state, saying that he remains a symbol of unity of Nigeria.

Leading the prayer inside palace of the Emir of Lafiagi in Lafiagi town on Thursday, the Chief Imam of Shonga, Alhaji Jibril Usman, also offered prayer for the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Senator Sha'aba Lafiagi and the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Saadu Kawu Haliru, as well as the repose of late Chief imam of Lafiagi, Shaykh Muhammed Haruna.

The Chief Imam of Shonga, who also prayed for the stability, unity of the country and sound health of President Buhari, said that, "for anything to happen to president at this critical period, it will be difficult for us to bear as a nation".

He reminded Muslims of the need to always prepare for death and the day of judgement.

Speaking at the prayer, the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Saadu Kawu Haliru, noted that the special prayer organised for President Buhari was aimed to beseech Allah to give him quick recovery for him to be healthy and fulfil his laudable and lofty programmes especially the on going anti graft war.

The Emir asked Muslim faithful to repent now, shun devilish acts and always remember God in His highest height, pointing out that death is inevitable and the end of all mankind.

Also speaking with journalists, the Senator representing Kwara North in the Senate, Senator Shaaba Lafiagi, said that it was appropriate to be praying for quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that his sound health would ensure continuation of agenda aimed towards growth and development of the nation.

The Vice Chancellor of the Kwara State University, Professor AbdulRasheed Na'-Allah, noted that the prayers being held for the President across the country was genuine, adding that it showed that the people are united, and eager to overcome the challenges facing the country.

"It tells us that the nation is united. Presently, we are in a very critical time in the country. There's economic recession, ethnic crisis among others. Nigeria is eager and united to come out of the challenges and the president is the symbol of unity Nigeria. So, for anything to happen to president at this critical period, it will be difficult for us to bear as a nation", he said.

Professor Na'Allah said that prayers organized for the President all over the country is genuine towards ensuring the oneness of the people irrespective of their religious belief and ethnic affiliations.

Also speaking, one of the sons of the late Chief Imam of Lafiagi, and a lecturer in the department of Islamic Studies, Al-hikmah University, Mallam Haruna Mohammed Baba Sanusi who described the death of his late father as painful and rude shock, said he was a teacher and mentor that made great impact to the unity of lafiagi community.

Mallam Haruna Mohammed said sterling qualities like patient and humility his late father was known for and his roles towards uniting the community when crisis engulfed the ancient town would not be forgotten and prayed Allah to grant him eternal rest.

The late Chief Imam of lafiagi died on Monday at the age of 81.

The prayer was attended by the Ambassador designate from Kwara State, Professor Issa Gana, former Head of Service, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed, State NBA chairman, Barrister Manzuma Issa, Pioneer Grand Khadi of Sharia Court of Appeal, Retired Justice AbdulKadri Orire, current Grand Khadi, Justice Ola AbdulKadri and Special Assistants to Kwara state Governor among other personalities.