The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged politicians and other political actors to fear God and place Nigeria’s interests above partisan ambitions.
NSCIA Secretary-General Professor Is-haq Oloyede made the call on Wednesday at a special National Prayer at the National Mosque, Abuja, ahead of the General Assembly.
Oloyede dismissed suggestions that the prayer had political undertones, saying the National Mosque remained non-partisan and that Muslims belonged to different political parties.
He added that political leaders could not separate their spiritual and civic responsibilities to the nation.
‘All those who are contesting and all our leaders, Muslims cut across all political parties. What we are doing is praying for our country and praying for our leaders,’ he said.
Oloyede urged political actors to approach governance with patriotism and divine accountability, rather than personal interests.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s diversity, noting that the prayer was conducted in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, English and Arabic.
Oloyede said the country’s linguistic and cultural differences should be treated as a strength, not exploited for division.
The two-day spiritual exercise precedes the General Assembly, where Islamic leaders, public office holders and delegates from the 36 states are expected to discuss national security, political stability and religious harmony.