An influential Islamic cleric, Sheikh Khalifa Kabiru Qasimu Awwalu, has called on Nigerians to support governments at all levels through prayer in their efforts to combat insecurity plaguing the nation. Sheikh Awwalu, the leader of Zawiyyar Sheikh Qassimu Awwalu Sabo Ibadan, believes that fervent prayer can play a significant role in ending the Boko Haram insurgency, kidnappings, and other social vices that continue to threaten the country’s peace and stability.
The cleric made these remarks after leading a congregation of Muslims in observing the two Rakah obligatory Eld-Kabir prayers at St. Gabriel Secondary School Alao Akala Road Sabo, Ibadan on Wednesday.
Sheikh Awwalu stressed that it is the responsibility of every Nigerian citizen to lend their support to governments at all levels in their quest to eradicate insecurity. Highlighting the actions of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Sheikh Awwalu commended the governor for extending assistance to both indigenes and non-indigenes of the state.
He further explained that the Eld-Kabir festival is a time for sacrifice and obedience to the command of God. “We thank God for the success of this Eld-Kabir. It is the festival of sacrifices. We have been praying in this place at St. Gabriel Secondary School Alao Akala Road Sabo Ibadan for some years,” Sheikh Awwalu said.
Speaking passionately, the cleric emphasized, “We the clerics are supporting the governments with prayer to end insecurity in the country. We have been praying for the government to succeed.”
“I urge all Nigerians to rally behind the government’s efforts to combat Boko Haram, insurgency, and other social vices. Together, we can bring peace to our state and Nigeria as a whole,” Sheikh Awwalu added.
The cleric also called for patience among those who have lost in elections and currently pursuing legal recourse, advising them to wait for their turn. He assured them that Governor Makinde had emerged victorious in the election and urged them to exercise patience.
