Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has appealed to Nigerians, particularly those from the North, to support and pray for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration amid the country’s economic challenges.

Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun-Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, said the North owed the President political support in appreciation of Tinubu’s backing for the eight-year administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to the federal lawmaker, Tinubu’s re-election would amount to compensation for the South-West for standing firmly behind Buhari’s government.

Doguwa spoke while addressing journalists on the plains of Arafah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for peace, stability and development in the country.

Yesterday, thousands of Nigerian pilgrims joined millions of Muslims across the world on the plains of Arafah in the spiritual climax of the 2026 Hajj exercise, seeking divine mercy and forgiveness.

Arafah, regarded as the spiritual peak of Hajj, symbolises repentance and devotion, with pilgrims believing the exercise offers an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Despite extreme temperatures, pilgrims dressed in white ihram garments gathered under tents and around the hill of Arafah in a display of unity and submission before Allah.

Delivering a sermon on Arafah Day, Islamic scholar, Prof. Mansur Sokoto, urged public officials to learn from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad on accountability and responsible leadership.

Sokoto cautioned against the misappropriation of public funds, stressing that leaders entrusted with public wealth would account for their stewardship before God.

He lamented that many citizens continued to suffer poverty because of corruption and abuse of public trust.

“We have the opportunity to be on the plain of history where Allah revealed to the Prophet that He has perfected Islam for Muslims, and so we have to thank God with every part of our body and in worship of the Almighty,” he said.

Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the distribution of Haddaya (sacrificial rams) for 1,725 indigent pilgrims from the state currently participating in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Haddaya, the ritual slaughter of rams or other livestock, is a compulsory rite for pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran and commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim.

The sacrifice, which will take place during the days of Tashreeq from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, also serves as a means of feeding needy pilgrims and residents of the holy cities.

In addition to the Haddaya, Zulum provided free ihram garments for male pilgrims and khimar head coverings for female pilgrims. He also paid hotel differentials to secure more comfortable accommodation for the Borno contingent in Makkah.

The governor has consistently funded Haddaya for indigent pilgrims from the state over the years to ensure they complete their religious obligations.

Zulum also urged the pilgrims to intensify prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in Borno State and Nigeria as a whole.