Governor Buni Appeals to Religious Leaders for National Prayers
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has called upon Chief Imams of Jummat Mosques to intensify prayers for Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, and other national leaders, emphasizing the critical need for peace and unity across the country. This appeal was made during a series of consultative meetings held at the Government House in Damaturu, which marked the first phase of engagements with both Muslim and Christian clerics in the state.
Emphasis on Peace and Development
In his address to more than 800 Chief Imams from various Friday mosques, Governor Buni highlighted that Nigeria is facing significant challenges from internal and external threats. He stressed that meaningful development cannot occur without a foundation of peace, urging collective support to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have resulted in loss of lives and property. Buni also reflected on Yobe State's painful experiences during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency, underscoring the importance of spiritual interventions.
Babagana Malam Kyari, Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs, reinforced the meeting's purpose, stating it was designed to remind Imams of their role in praying for the nation and its leadership. This initiative aims to foster a sense of solidarity and spiritual resilience amid ongoing security and economic concerns.
National Coalition Mobilizes for Tinubu's Re-election
In a separate development, a broad-based national coalition has announced plans to gather 20 million signatures in support of President Bola Tinubu's second term bid. Spearheaded by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), this alliance includes over 1,500 groups from civil society, professional bodies, labor unions, artisan associations, and grassroots networks, representing a diverse cross-section of Nigerian society.
Historic Endorsement Gathering Planned
Tabuko Kennedy, National Secretary of COCSON, revealed that a landmark convention is scheduled for May 17, 2026, which is expected to be the largest endorsement gathering in Nigeria's history. The event will provide a formal platform for the coalition to declare unified support for Tinubu's re-election. Kennedy explained that the 20 million-signature campaign is intended to demonstrate widespread grassroots acceptance and national consensus, transcending regional, professional, and socio-economic divides. The coalition plans to utilize both physical outreach and digital platforms to achieve this ambitious target within the stipulated timeframe.
Kwara North Joins Calls for Tinubu and Power Shift
Adding to the political momentum, the people of Kwara North Senatorial District have expressed strong support for President Tinubu's second term bid. During a mega rally in Ilorin, they also appealed to the President to assist in breaking a long-standing political jinx that has prevented their zone from occupying the governorship seat since the state's creation in 1967.
Historical Context and Demands
Speakers at the rally noted that Kwara North has only been governed for 22 months, under former Governor Shaba Lafiagi, and has remained marginalized in top leadership positions despite contributing to electoral victories and political stability. Emir Muhammad Kudu Kawu of Lafiagi, representing Kwara North traditional rulers, described the agitation for power shift as a reflection of the district's longstanding aspirations. He urged Emir Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, to advocate for conceding the Government House to Kwara North.
Former Speaker and minister Issa Bio Ibrahim announced the district's resolve to support any of their sons who emerge as the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aiming to secure the state's top political office for the first time since 1999. AbdulMumin Katibi, a former legislator and Commissioner of Information, presented data showing that Kwara North has produced the second-largest vote bloc after Kwara Central in past elections, reinforcing their political significance.
This convergence of spiritual appeals and political endorsements highlights a multifaceted approach to addressing Nigeria's challenges, with leaders and citizens alike mobilizing for stability and progress ahead of the 2027 elections.
