By Marcus Ikechukwu
President Muhamamdu Buhari says he eagerly looks forward to returning to Daura, his hometown, in the next five months, when his tenure will end.
He re-echoed his wish on Tuesday in Abuja when he received members of Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden (Attijaniyya), at the Presidential Villa Abuja.
“I am looking forward to returning to Daura, my hometown, in the next five months when my tenure will end,” the president stated.
He, however, commended the Islamic group over what he described as deliberate efforts to promote religious tolerance in the country.
Buhari told the group led by Sheikh Muhammad Khalifa Niass, Khalifa of the Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden (Attijaniyya), their roles in promoting stability in several African countries remain invaluable.
He also seized the meeting to thank members of the group for their fervent prayers for his administration and the country.
Meanwhile, during the courtesy visit by the Islamic group, Sheikh Tijjani Shehul Hadi Almauritany offered prayers for the President, the country and Nigerians. At the same time, the recitation of the Holy Quran was conducted by Sheikh Abdullahi Lamine.
In his remarks, the Khalifa of the association, Sheikh Niass, drew attention to the biography of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, SAW, and the lessons Muslims can imbibe from his way of life.
Emphasizing the need for genuine repentance, according to the teachings of the Holy Quran, Sheikh Niass pledged that the Attijaniyya movement would continue to promote peace and unity in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures and Islam.
Khalifah Niass also told the story of his late father, Sheikh Ibrahim Niass’s close association with Nigeria and its people, dating back seventy years, saying that the family was determined to continue to build on the relationship.