Northern state Governors have agreed to pursue the current security challenges bedevilling the region with sustained fervent prayers against banditry and kidnapping.
Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger stated this at the opening of a two-day symposium with a theme: ”The role of Imams in ensuring credible and peaceful elections as well as good governance.
It was organised by Jumaat Mosques Imams’ Forum, in conjunction with Rahama and Bago Foundation in Minna on Saturday.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane, Bello said, ” security agencies alone cannot do it and thus the need for prayers by religious leaders to address the ugly trend.”
He, however, applauded the efforts of security agencies in the fight against insurgency, urging that religious and traditional ruler must be accorded prominence for the fight against insurgency to succeed.
In his remarks, All Progressives Congress APC Gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Umar Bago promised to support any initiative targeted at ameliorating the hardship of the people.
Bago said the roles played by religious and traditional rulers in promoting peaceful co-existence were enormous and they should be supported to achieve maximum results.
Also speaking, Sen. Sani Musa ( APC-Niger East) appealed to youths to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying,”it is the only way they can elect credible leaders.
He also called for prayers by religious leaders for hitch-free 2023 General Elections.
Secretary, Imams’ Forum, Niger, Sheikh Umar Abdullahi called on religious leaders to be actively involved in politics to sanitise the system.
