A Nigerian commentator, Okikiola Qasim Fugba, has urged President Bola Tinubu to translate the spiritual privilege of entering the Sacred Kaabah in Makkah into purposeful leadership, economic recovery and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
This is contained in a statement signed by him in Abuja.
The statement says the President’s reported access to the interior of the Kaabah, should come with greater responsibility to serve the country with wisdom, justice and compassion.
It states that the significance of the rare privilege should go beyond personal recognition and diplomatic honour, stressing that the President’s leadership should reflect the prayers and aspirations of millions of Nigerians.
The statement notes that Tinubu had disclosed that his supplications inside the sacred building centred on seeking wisdom and resilience to continue serving the country.
It adds that the President should also seek divine guidance for national peace, security, economic recovery and the welfare of citizens.
According to the statement, the commentator, however, cautioned against assuming that access to the Kaabah automatically guarantees the acceptance of prayers, explaining that such matters remain within the knowledge and authority of Allah.
It recalls that former President Muhammadu Buhari was also granted access to the interior of the Kaabah in February 2016 during an official visit to Saudi Arabia, making Tinubu the second Nigerian President in the modern democratic era to enjoy the privilege.
On the economy, the statement identifies the removal of petrol subsidy by the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023, as a major policy decision that has increased government revenue and provided additional resources for the three tiers of government.
It acknowledges the potential benefits of the economic reforms but observed that many Nigerians were yet to experience meaningful relief, with high food prices, inflation, unemployment and the rising cost of living continuing to affect households.
The statement therefore urges the Federal Government to ensure that the gains from subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms translate into affordable food, employment opportunities, accessible healthcare, quality education and improved infrastructure.
According to the statement, Fugba also highlights the President’s engagement with Islamic scholars and traditional rulers through special prayers for Nigeria, describing such activities as important expressions of faith and concern for national development.
The statement stresses, however, that prayers must be supported by practical governance, transparency and accountability, urging religious leaders to offer sincere advice to those in authority and speak against policies that worsen the hardship of citizens.
It also condemns the description of the President as a disbeliever by some individuals because of political disagreements, warning that religious differences should not be used to promote hostility or make reckless accusations.
Citing Islamic teachings, particularly Qur’an 4:94 and the warnings of Prophet Muhammad against declaring another Muslim an unbeliever without justification, Fugba says Nigerians had the right to criticise government policies and demand accountability without resorting to religious insults.
The statement maintains that political power was a responsibility and urged the President to prioritise justice, national unity, improved security and economic policies that would positively affect ordinary citizens as the 2027 general election approaches.
It says the greatest significance of Tinubu’s visit to the Kaabah would be measured by the positive changes Nigerians experience in their daily lives, praying for divine guidance for the President and other leaders to deliver a more peaceful and prosperous country.
