The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has urged the Chief Imams of the Jummat Mosques in the state to pray for Nigeria and its President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders for peace and unity in the country.

Buni made the call on Tuesday, during series of consultative meetings with dozens of Chief Imams, held at the Government House, Damaturu.

The first phase of the meeting was organized for both Muslim and Christian clerics in the state, and attended by more than 800 Chief lmams from the various Friday Jummat mosques in the state.

The governor stated: “Nigeria is in dire need of prayers and fasting against what he described as, the internal and external evil machinations for peace to reign, and for Nigeria to prosper with a sustained economic development and growth”

He explained to the clerics that there would be no meaningful development without peace, stating, “That is why it is important for us to come together to support our leaders to protect our country from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminalities that led the loss of many lives and property.”

Buni also reminded the religious leaders of the sad and unfortunate experience of the state at the peak of the Boko Haram security challenges.

Buni further lamented: “”Many people were killed, millions displaced and properties destroyed, we cannot afford to be drawn back to such experience,” urging the clerics to support leaders for the country to remain united and peaceful in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

“We thank God for the relative peace we now enjoy and we cannot afford to toy with it. We will support the federal government to guard it jealously,” he added.

He further noted: “Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and most of the African countries look up to us and pray for peace to reign in the country.”

The Governor reminded the people that they have no other country to call home, except Nigeria.

Besides the clerics’ prayers, he added: “It is our responsibility as citizens to pray for a lasting peace and prosperity of Nigeria, and for God to guide President Tinubu and all other leaders in the country ”
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Babagana Malam Kyari, said the meeting was to remind the Imams of the need to pray for Nigeria and its leaders.

“It is a great joy that here in Yobe state, we enjoy relative peace and harmony among our clerics and the understanding of the need for prayers for our leaders” he said

Kyari added that the second phase of the meeting would convene Reverends and Pastors and other leaders of Churches across the state.

The over 800 Jummat Friday mosque imams that attended the meeting, pledged to convey the message of peace and peaceful coexistence to their followers.

“We are to intensify prayers for the country, President Tinubu, Gov. Buni, and other leaders for peace to reign, and for the country to prosper,” pledged the clerics.