Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has declared October 19, 2020, (Monday) prayer and fasting day, the second of its kind in recent time.
In a state-wide address tagged Borno: What options do we take?, the governor emphasised the need for citizens’ support and prayers for peace, the army and volunteers in the insurgency war and prayers against Boko Haram and those who fund and support them in any way.
“I called for today’s meeting with His Eminence, the Shehu of Borno, the Chief Imam and Imams of Juma’at mosques. We have rubbed minds. I also met with leadership of our Christian brothers and sisters who have consistently shown sincere commitment to our togetherness.
“Fellow citizens of Borno State, as an outcome of today’s consultation, I hereby declare Monday, the 19th day of October 2020 as a second day for statewide fasting and prayers for peace in Borno State. I will like to request, with gratitude, that we approach the fast with the same enthusiasm, devotion and faithfulness as we did on Monday February 24, 2020.
I will like to clarify that there will be no public holiday on Monday and there will be no dramatic gatherings. What is required is the purity of our intentions and submission to Allah as we fast and pray from our homes, offices, market shops, other businesses and places of legitimate endeavours.
“One of the key goals of fasting together is deferring to the Almighty as a community in worship and hope. Fasting together would also remind us of the realities we face and strengthen the faith and patriotism of our military and volunteers in frontlines as well as others who risk their lives for humanitarian and reconstruction courses.
“Our fast in worship should very well include prayers against anyone funding or supporting Boko Haram in any way, and prayers against anyone who consciously benefits from the Boko Haram crisis by any means.
“We cannot afford to lag in our steady call upon God to free Borno. The role of prayers, especially one that is combined with practical human efforts, is very critical in our kind of battle that has raged for far too long, with huge and negative consequences.
“May Allah accept our prayers and may peace return to Borno, all parts of the northeast and Nigeria”, the governor said.
Thank you.