Islamic, Christian clerics hold prayers for Buhari in Katsina

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured that the Federal Government will preserve former President Muhammadu Buhari’s legacies, uphold his values and protect his family’s dignity.

This was as prominent Islamic and Christian clerics, alongside top government officials, gathered in Daura, Katsina State, yesterday, for a special prayer session in honour of Buhari.

The former president died on Sunday in London, England, and was buried according to Islamic rites in his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking yesterday, at the late president’s residence in Daura, where prominent personalities and mourners gathered for the second day special prayer session in Buhari’s honour, the VP, who stood in for President Bola Tinubu, described Buhari as one of the greatest sons of Africa whose life was marked by discipline, sacrifice and integrity.

“In power, your friends know you. Out of power, you know your friends. In death, Buhari has reminded the world of the value of honour,” he said.
On his part, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina expressed gratitude to the visiting dignitaries, the Federal Government and millions of Nigerians for their solidarity and compassion.

“We thank President Tinubu for his empathy and for assigning 25 ministers to remain in Katsina since the passing of our father and leader. Their presence speaks volumes,” Radda said.

He called on Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from Buhari’s passing, saying, “Let this moment remind us all to fear God in our leadership.” The interfaith session, held at Buhari’s residence, followed the three-day Fidau prayers on Wednesday and drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

Among the clerics present were the National Chairman of Jama’atuIzalatilBid’ahWaIqamatus Sunnah, Bala Lau; as well as Sani Yahaya Jingir; Kabiru Gombe; former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Ali Pantami; and the Catholic Bishop of Katsina Diocese, 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. 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, who served under Buhari, said the prayers for Buhari should not be restricted to days, but be a permanent exercise for Muslim faithful as captured in the Holy Quran. He used the event to urge Nigerians to continue to pray for the deceased and remember him in all their daily supplications.

“Our prayers for him should be permanent until our time, and it is indeed very important. In Islam, prayers for the deceased are not restricted to certain days or times, but for life. I want to beg each and every one of us here to please remember him in our daily supplications,” Pantami said.

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

Radda, in his vote of thanks, appreciated Nigerian leaders for attending the funeral rites and prayer sessions.

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 Tinubu.