Nigerian Leaders Need Prayers To Perform, Says Senate President Lawan 

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said Nigerian leaders require relentless prayers of the citizens to enable them perform in office.

Lawan also called on religious leaders in the country to pray for Nigeria and its leadership to enable the country overcome its challenges.

The senate president spoke on Monday at the funeral mass held for late Senator Ignatius Dantong Longjan at St. Louis Catholic Church, Jos, Plateau State.

Longjan was the senator representing Plateau South before his death.

Lawan:  “We need prayers as a country and a people. We cannot ask for this at a better place. We need to have a very peaceful, secured and safe country.

“Prayers can do a lot of things. Prayers can make leaders to perform. So, Nigerian leaders need prayers so that we remain focused on ensuring that we discharge our obligations and mandates to create the kind of country that all of us desire.

“We may see things we don’t want to see today, but the power of prayers can change so many things for the better. We shouldn’t despair.

“It is sad we are going through this, but we can overcome it. May Almighty God help us overcome our tribulations,” said Lawan.

The senate president described Longjan as someone who sought peace and unity of the country.

He said the National Assembly would continue to build on those ideals the deceased lived for, so as to attain peace and progress for Nigeria.

“We met him (Ignatius Longjan) only in 2019 when we went to the Senate, but he was already an accomplished human being, not only in terms of what he was able to achieve in public service, but in terms of what he was as a person.

“He was at peace with everybody, and all of us saw a man who wanted to see not only Plateau being peaceful, but our country Nigeria being in peace.

“The task before the rest of us, especially in the Senate and in the National Assembly, is to continue to work on those ideals, those things he believed in, those dreams he had for Nigeria, that we live in trust and have faith in ourselves for a progressive and peaceful Nigeria.

“This is one loss that is for all of us, this country will miss him. He was one gentleman that made a difference. We pray that this death that has brought so many together will continue to unite people, and of course, this country need unity,” Lawan said.

Among dignitaries present are: the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase; Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong; Deputy Governor, Sonni Tyoden.

Senators who accompanied the Senate President include: Rochas Okorocha (APC – Imo West); Philip Aduda (PDP – FCT); Uche Ekwunife (PDP – Anambra Central); Haliru Jika (APC – Bauchi Central); and Aisha Dahiru Ahmed (APC – Adamawa Central).