North asks Nigerians to pray for Buhari

Leaders from the northern axis of the country under the aegis of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have called on Nigerians to pray for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari from his yet-to-be disclosed ailment.

This was as Nigerians from all walks of life continue to express concerns over the continued stay of the president in the United Kingdom (UK), more than 30 days after he travelled out of the country on medical ground.

Speaking with Saturday Tribune on Thursday evening on the long absence of the president from the country due to health-related issues, National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, urged Nigerians to pray for the speedy recovery of the ailing president.

The ACF image-maker also said there was not much to worry about the president’s state of health, noting that Buhari, as a mortal, can fall sick like any other human being, but needed the prayers of all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or political inclinations.

Ibrahim, who called on the people to support acting President Yemi Osinbajo, also declared that Buhari had done what was constitutionally required of him by writing to notify the National Assembly of his intention to travel out of the country.

“I think there is nothing much to worry because the president has done what it is expected of him. Right from the outset when he was going on vacation, he transmitted a letter to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Again, he did same when his doctors advised him to extend his vacation. And when it was apparent that he had to stay in the United Kingdom, he wrote. To us, there is no vacuum.

“The acting president is in charge. Government business has not stopped. He (Buhari) is not representing any region or religion. He is the president of Nigeria. So, let Nigerians be patient with him and pray for him.

“Don’t forget also, he is a mortal like any one of us. He can fall sick. At this point of our history, he needs our prayers for speedy recovery. Thus, every person, irrespective of his beliefs and where he comes from should do that,” he said.

The ACF stalwart also said that it had become imperative to support the acting president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in the task of governing and administering the country, noting that the ACF was in firm support of the acting president because he is a part of the Buhari administration.

“It has become imperative to support the acting President, Yemi Osinbajo. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is firmly supporting the acting president because we felt he is a continuity of Buhari’s government.

“We urge every Nigerian, groups, associations, to do same. This is our country. We do not need foreigners to come and manage the country for us. We believe in the indivisibility of the country,” he added.