Prominent Islamic and Christian clerics, alongside top government officials, gathered in Daura, Katsina State, on Thursday for a special prayer session in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The interfaith session, held at Buhari?s residence, followed the three-day Fidau prayers held on Wednesday and drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

Among the clerics present were the National Chairman of Jama?atu Izalatil Bid?ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, Sheikh Bala Lau; Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir; Sheikh Kabiru Gombe; Sheikh Ali Pantami; and the Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese, Bishop Gerald Musa.

Also in attendance were the Emir of Katsina, Dr Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk; and other traditional rulers.

Sheikh Lau described the late president as ?a man of integrity and honour,? noting that his contributions to Nigeria?s development were significant and enduring.

Pantami said the prayers for Buhari should not be restricted for days but be a permanent exercise for Muslim faithful as captured in the Holy Quran.

Pantami, who was the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy under Buhari, used the event to urge Nigerians to continue to pray for the deceased and remember him in all their daily supplications.

?Prayers for our father, the former President Muhammadu Buhari should not be restricted to three or seven days only.

?Our prayers for him should be permanently until our time, and it is indeed very important.

?In Islam, prayers for the deceased are not restricted to certain days or time but rather for life. I want to beg each and everyone of us here to please remember him in our daily supplications,? Pantami said.

In his prayers, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese, Bishop Musa, described the former Nigerian leader as a man of discipline and selfless devotion and urged Nigerians, especially political leaders, to emulate his character.

Musa said, ?While he was alive, I learned so much from him. He was incorruptible, particularly during his time as a military leader.

?I remember as a student, we admired his policies, especially the War Against Indiscipline.

?No human being is perfect, but Buhari?s legacy of discipline and simplicity is powerful. We are praying not only for God to reward him for his good deed but also to forgive his imperfections.?

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, in his vote of thanks, appreciated Nigerian leaders for attending the funeral rites and prayer sessions for the repose of the soul of the late former President.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government delegation and Vice President Kashim Shettima departed Daura, Katsina State, alongside the family of the deceased for Abuja for the State House valedictory session in honour of Buhari as instructed by President Bola Tinubu. (The PUNCH)

Update news