24th February, 2020
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has commended Nigerians for observing special prayers and fast to end insurgency and restore peace to the war-tone state.
Zulum had on Feb. 19, requested people of the state and Nigerians to pray and fast on Monday, Feb. 24, to seek divine intervention for intensify military offensive against the insurgent to achieve lasting peace in the state and the country.
In a message on his verified twitter handles on Monday, Zulum thanked Nigerians for observing special prayers and fast to facilitate the successful implementation of counter-insurgency campaign and peace restoration process.
Zulum said: “Today’s fast; which sought and still seeks Allah’s merciful intervention for an end to the Boko Haram insurgency, was largely carried out by many Nigerians out of empathy for the people of Borno state in particular, and for other parts of our dear country.
“In worship to Allah and for Borno’s sake; many Nigerians throughout the day, voluntarily abstained from food, water, and other personal affairs with abiding faith and hope that we regain enduring peace.
“Nothing I write or say can adequately convey the debt of our profound gratitude to all Nigerians.
“To the good people of Borno State, I am grateful to God for having you all by my side. Today, I saw firsthand, how majority of citizens, Muslims and Christians, devoted themselves to fast and prayers in mosques and churches.
“I monitored many acts of worship and charity. We did all of these for our sake and the sake of our brothers and sisters more directly affected by the insurgency.
“I am proud of all of you who joined in our collective acts today. I do solemnly reaffirm the pledge I made on May 29, 2019, that by the grace of God, I will, together with all stakeholders, continue to give more than my very best in our shared and determined effort to overcome the Boko Haram challenge and put our state on the path of sustainable recovery, growth and development.
“May the gracious and merciful Allah accept our acts of worship; May He answer our supplications which should not end with today’s fast, and may He answer the supplications being offered on our behalf by many Nigerians”.