By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, April 16, 2026(Series News Online)- A congregation of Muslim and Christian clerics in Kebbi State on Wednesday declared that sinful acts and transgression are the major causes of Nigeria’s ongoing tribulations and trials.
The clerics agreed that renewal of faith, submission, and seeking God’s forgiveness remain the sole path out of the nation’s quagmire.
Twenty-four religious groups, comprising adherents of Islam and Christianity, converged on the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi at the invitation of the Kebbi State Ministry of Religious Affairs to pray for leaders and the nation.
The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arc. Sani Aliyu, acknowledged the contribution of clerics to good governance and security.
“We have gathered both Muslim and Christian scholars to deliberate on various topics to facilitate service delivery, good governance and security through appropriate advice to leaders,” Aliyu said.
He described the creation of the ministry as a landmark achievement of Governor Nasir Idris. “A major landmark achievement of the incumbent administration of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris is the establishment of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, long sought after since the creation of Kebbi in 1991,” the commissioner stated.
“We urge clerics not to listen to gossip and vituperations of the opposition using religion,” he advised.
Among presenters of papers were Professor Abubakar Wali Argungu and the Head of the Tijjaniyya Movement, Khalifa Ahmad Usman Mukhtar, who admonished clerics to lead by example.
“You must ensure religious obedience and loyalty. It is highly improper for clerics to be using social media to castigate leaders or incite disharmony among the populace,” they warned.
Others who spoke included Kebbi State CAN Chairman, Rt. Rev. Ayuba Kanta; Rev. Nuhu Gudal; Imam Yusuf Abubakar Suru; Sheikh Umar Malisa; Sheikh Isma’ila Na-Taraba Yauri; and Sheikh Abbas Jega.
Also at the podium were Alhafiz Abubakar Ribah; Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi, Walin Gwandu; Yusuf Jibril Zuru; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Rev. Dr. Samuel Audu Dabai; Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Muslim Religious Matters, Engr. Imran ibn Usman.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to the religious leaders for their sustained support and prayers for him and his administration.
“My government is desirous of your advice. I believe in the efficacy of prayers. I will continue to promote and uphold religious values as a policy thrust of my administration,” Idris said.
He added, “I am encouraging you to sustain prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria, Kebbi State and myself as governor.”
The governor stressed that his administration remains open to counsel. “I am thankful to our clerics. My administration remains open and receptive to advice. I am ready to make corrections,” he stated.
The summit ended with prayers for peace, unity, and divine guidance for leaders across the country.
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2026 Prayer Summit