By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
The 2, 090 Bauchi state intending pilgrims to this year’s Haji exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been enjoined to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the success of his administration.
According to the governor, should the prayers make the President a good person, each and every Nigerian would immensely benefit from his goodness.
He said, “I appeal to you to remember us in your prayers, pray for your families, your communities, Bauchi, the country, our leaders at state level, and of course even our President”.
“Because if he is to become a good person, all of us will benefit from his goodness”, the governor said while bidding farewell to the state’s intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj obligatory exercise.
The Governor further told the pilgrims, “So you should pray for the Presidency, the President and Nigeria in general, we firmly believe in the power of prayer”.
Senator Bala Mohammed noted with dismay that the country is currently facing numerous challenges, and as he puts it, there is no better time than now to seek divine intervention.
He implored upon the pilgrims to fervently pray for the Almighty Allah to grant Nigeria lasting peace, improved security, economic prosperity and unity as a people in one country.
Governor Bala similarly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seriously consider the review of electoral act, guidelines or elections timetable to ensure that this year’s intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj exercise were not disfranchise.
The Governor in the same vein appealed to the National Assembly (NASS) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to look into the issue with a view to making amend to the electoral act or elections guidelines/timetable.
“We are pleading with Mr President, we are pleading with the National Assembly, we are pleading with NAHCON to look at this issue, and even INEC to give an extension so that some of us that have been going to Hajj, and all the political leaders that are supposed to go to, especially when we are facing an electoral cycle, will be able to go for the obligatory exercise”.
He explained that most of the politicians cannot travel for the pilgrimage this year unless the electoral guidelines or timetable is relaxed or amended, saying it is very insensitive for the electoral guidelines not to take into cognisance the period of Hajj exercise, having majority of Nigerians as Muslims.
Describing the lackadaisical attitudes on the part of relevant authorities as unacceptable, the governor stated that majority of Nigerians are Muslims who often travels for pilgrimage, saying “Almost the day that we have our Arafat is the day that most political parties will have their primaries, this is unacceptable”
Governor Bala said, “This plea is done in good faith, not because of politics, but to remind our leaders that we have an obligation to our teeming Muslims population, and I hope this will be considerably listen into”.
He urged the pilgrims to remain law-abiding, and to conduct themselves with high level of discipline and decorum, avoid acts that would tarnish the good image of Bauchi state and the nation, respect the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the state officials to the exercise.
Governor Bala Mohammed also enjoined the pilgrims to spend their basic traveling allowances wisely and carefully, and never trust anybody except the state officiciating personnel, ensure they were not defrauded.
Mohammed further told the pilgrims, “Most importantly, I appeal to you to remember us in your prayers, pray for your families, your communities, Bauchi state, our dear country, our leaders at both state and national levels”.
“I also encourage you to use this opportunity to deepen your spiritual connection with ‘Allah’, be patient, be kind to one another, and extend support to fellow pilgrims, especially the elderly and those who may require assistance, and let your actions reflect the true virtues of Islam, peace, humility and compassion”.
He expressed confidence that the pilgrims upon their return back home, not only bear the title of ‘Alhaji’ or ‘Hajiya’, but also the virtues and lessons of Hajj, of honestly, integrity, tolerance, and renewed commitment to serving humanity and contributing possibly to the society.
Mohammed apologized on behalf of the State Muslim Pilgrims Board for those that have paid, but cut-off due to trimming down by the Saudi Arabia authorities of pilgrims to this year’s Hajj globally, thus leaving behind about 500 – 1000 state pilgrims on ground, despite paying their obligations.
The Governor therefore assured the left out intending pilgrims from the state, saying by next, it would be first-come, first-serve, thereby making the first in the lineup to go to the Hajj pilgrimage from Bauchi.
He described the Hajj exercise as a divine invitation, a blessing that calls for gratitude, humility and deep reflection, one of the five pillars of Islam, a sacred obligation that offers immense spiritual rewards, and a journey of purification where sins are forgiven, hearts are renewed and faith strengthened.
“It is also a power reminder for unity, equality and submission to the Will of ‘Allah’ of millions of Muslims from all walks of life, gathers in devotion and service. It is a spiritual upliftment, Hajj instill discipline, patience, sacrifice and compassion, virtues that will continue to guide you along after you return home”.
He announced that a total of 2, 090 intending pilgrims from the state will be performing the Hajj exercise this year who departed Bauchi last night (Thursday) are being led by the Emir of Misau, His Royal Highness Ahmed Suleiman (mni) saying “Iam aware that all the pilgrims have been fully vaccinated against meningitis and yellow fever as required preparatory to the obligatory journey”.
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