In what many have interpreted as a spiritual angle to the current war against the violent attacks of the terrorist group, Boko Haram in Nigeria, some Senegalese clerics, otherwise called Marabouts on Saturday prayed for President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The ten clerics were led to the State House, Abuja by Khalifah Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Inyass, the grandson of Late Shehu Tijani Ibrahim Inyass, the founder of the Tijjaniya sect, on the invitation of President Jonathan.
They met for about an hour with the President at the First Lady’s Conference Room and offered prayers for an end to the security challenges facing Nigeria as well as peace and stability in the country.
Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the Spokesman of the group, Ahmed Tijani Sanni Alwalu said that the clerics who were in Nigeria to attend the Maulud celebration of Ibrahim Inyass Gombe were invited to the villa by President Jonathan for spiritual support.
According to him, it was a historic meeting since former Nigerian leaders like Yakubu Gowon and Late Aguiyi- Ironsi had also invited the sect to pray for the country in the past.
“It is a historic visit because it has been done by his father with the then President, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Aguyi Ironsi. So, the history is repeating itself and we come for the Moulude of Ibrahim Inyass Gombe and on his way going home, the President requested for a courtesy visit and Shehu granted that.”
“We put ourselves together all Muslims and non- Muslims, in peaceful co- existence prayers so that we can all fight this insecurity in this country. The main purpose of coming here is part of the prayers for peace in this country,” he added
Other clerics with him included Sheikh Muhammadul Makky Inyass, Sheikh Mansur Inyass, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Inyass, Sheikl Bashir Inyass, Inyass Mustapha Inyass, Abdullahi Muhammad Maigemu, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, Aliyu Ibrahim, and Khalifah Shehu Nasiru Hamisu.
Others present at the meeting were the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Chief of Staff to President, Brig- General Jones Arogbofa (rtd), Head of Service, Bukar Goni Aji; Minister of FCT, Bala Mohammed.
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