…says Nigerians should pray for peace, unity

…holds 2026 Democracy Day

special Juma’at service in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday said President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly behind the scenes day and night to secure the release of all citizens kidnapped in Oyo.

Shettima gave the assurance at the Abuja National Mosque for a special Juma’at service, to commemorate the forthcoming 2026 Democracy Day.

Prominent leaders and Islamic clerics gathered at the Abuja National Mosque for the special Juma’at service.

The Vice President also issued a passionate, unified call for national prayer, citizens’ cooperation, and unyielding hope in the face of security challenges.

Addressing the congregation and reporters after the prayers, the Vice President delivered a poignant message of resilience and reassurance on behalf of the administration.

Acknowledging the sacrifices that laid the foundation for the nation’s current democratic governance, Shettima urged Nigerians to guard this hard-earned freedom with active faith and unity.

“It’s simple: let’s pray for the peace and stability of this nation and acknowledge the sacrifices made by our past heroes for the enthronement of this democracy that we are all enjoying now. What binds us together surpasses whatever divides us,” Shettima stated.

Addressing the severe security challenges plaguing parts of the country, the Vice President assured citizens that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is acutely aware of the nation’s pain, particularly regarding victims of kidnapping and banditry.

He said; “No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of the dawn. Stormy the weather might well be, but it can’t rain forever”.

The government, he reiterated, remains irrevocably committed to the total restoration of peace and stability.

The service, filled with reflection and solemnity, served as a spiritual prelude to the democratic anniversary.

In his sermon, the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque, Ustaz Muhammed Haroun Eze, utilized the significance of Democracy Day to remind the political class of its sacred covenant with the Nigerian people.

While offering prayers for the leadership, Ustaz Eze did not mince words regarding the core responsibilities of governance, stating that the true measure of democracy lies in its tangible benefits to the ordinary citizen.

He further prayed for peace, end of banditry, insurgency, and sustainable development of the country in all facets of human endeavor.

The Cleric advised Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations to intensify prayers for the nation’s democracy to thrive.

He also stressed the need for public office holders to uphold justice and fairness while governing their followers.

While noting that Nigeria had experienced a series of conflicts which caused many people’s lives and properties advised the citizens to pray for the country as the 2027 general election is approaching to avoid any conflict that could put the country into war.

He urged the government to invest more on education and strengthen skills acquisition for the youths to be independent even after graduation.

Some of the dignitaries who witness the special lecture and Juma’at prayer include, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, other members of the Federal Executive council, the representative of Sultan of Sultan of Sokoto, members of the Diplomatic Corps, National Assembly members, Traditional rulers, Captain of Industries amongst others.

(The Nation)