First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has stated that she is not involved in planning a national prayer.
Tinubu and Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), were scheduled to conduct a national prayer to address Nigeria’s difficulties.
The seven-day event, themed ‘Seeking God’s Intervention in Nigeria’s Affairs,’ is reported to be arranged in collaboration with Christian and Muslim leaders.
Segun Afolorunikan, director-general of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), who introduced the plan, stated that Christians would congregate at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week of supplication, while Muslims would gather at the National Mosque in Abuja.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, Busola Kukoyi, the first lady’s senior special assistant on media, distanced her principal from organising any prayers.
Kukoyi added that though Tinubu is an advocate of prayer, she “believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly”.
Kukoyi said:
“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue.”
“This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON is not organizing a National Prayer.
“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms are unfounded and misleading. Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her Office through Official channels. Kindly be advised accordingly.”
Meanwhile, it was stated that the first lady led rather than organised the prayer session.
Kukoyi did not specify whether Tinubu would attend the event and in what capacity.