Ex-VP Sambo, Saraki join Buhari for prayers at Villa mosque

Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo and President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki were among the top dignitaries that joined President Muhammadu Buhari at the special Juma’at prayer session at the Mosque situated in the Presidential Villa, Abuja as part of the ceremonies to herald Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary.

Sambo worshiped at the Aso Rock Mosque for the first time since he left office in 2015. He had visited the villa in the past, however, on a courtesy call to his successor, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Also at the Juma’at prayer session were the Chief of Army, Lt General Tukur Yusuf Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris; and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col Hameed Ali (rtd).

Others were Minister of the Interior, Lt. Gen Abdurahman Danbazzau (rtd); Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; and other senior Muslim faithful at the presidency.

Sambo thereafter left the Villa after the service and exchanging pleasantries with fellow worshippers, while Saraki proceeded to official residence of President Buhari where they met behind closed-door.

After the meeting, Saraki told correspondents that Nigeria had progressed over the years, and moreso under the present administration.”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,” Saraki said.

Meanwhile, an interdenominational church service has also been scheduled to hold on Sunday (tomorrow) at the National Christian Centre, Abuja in continuation of the Independence Anniversary, which falls on October 1.Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to lead the Christian faithful as Special guest of honour along with other dignitaries.