Ex-VP Sambo observes Jumat prayers with Buhari in Aso Rock

Immediate past Vice President, Namadi Sambo, was at the presidential villa, Abuja on Friday to observe the Friday prayers with President Muhammadu Buhari at the villa mosque.

Friday’s prayers were part of the activities to mark this year’s Independence anniversary of the country.

It was the second time the former number two leader would be visiting the seat of power since his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost power to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2015.

Sambo had on May 10 visited his successor in office, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for what he said was a usual familiarization visit.

When asked to explain the visit then, he told State House correspondents: “I have come to pay a visit to Mr. Vice President and Mr. Acting President. It is a usual familiarization visit.

“As you know, former Presidents visit Mr. President and former Vice Presidents visit the Vice President.”

Among other worshippers at the mosque on Friday was Senate President Bukola Saraki who urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the midst of adversity.

Harping on the nation’s unity, he said what was required now was prayers as he noted that the country has a reason to congratulate itself for sustaining its unity.

Saraki told correspondents: “A lot of people would say what are we congratulating ourselves about?  We have achieved a lot.

“We have been able to maintain our peace despite our diversity. Every nation has been tested. The most important thing now is for us to stay together.

“We shouldn’t lose hope. We should continue to pray for the unity of Nigeria.”