Abdulaziz Yari (APC-Zamfara West) has called on Islamic clerics in Zamfara to intensify prayers for the return of peace in the state and the country.

Mr Yari made the call on Tuesday in Talata Mafara while hosting the chief imams of Juma’at mosques at his residence in Talata Mafara town, Talata Mafara LGA.

Over 1,000 Islamic clerics and Juma’at Mosque chief imams from the state’s 14 LGAs attended the event.

Mr Yari noted that Islamic clerics, especially Imams who lead daily prayers, were closest to the people.

“As custodians of the people, you have the opportunity to mobilise your followers to embrace good deeds and intensify prayers for peace to return. I am, therefore, appealing to you to pray for the leaders to implement good policies for a better Nigeria.

“I believe that if we intensify our prayers seeking Allah’s intervention, He can resolve the challenges we face. I also believe everyone here has a role to play in addressing the security challenges affecting our communities,” Mr Yari stated.

The lawmaker urged the clerics to pray for Governor Dauda Lawal and President Bola Tinubu to succeed in their responsibilities. He said only prayers could restore normalcy in Zamfara so that farmers and traders could resume their normal activities.

Mr Yari described the recent defection of Governor Lawal to the ruling All Progressives Congress as a welcome development for Zamfara.

“We welcome Gov. Lawal to the APC in good faith. We are all in the APC now. As former governors, we all agreed to support him to collaborate with the federal government to address the lingering security challenges affecting our state,” Mr Yari stated.

Mr Lawal, represented by Deputy Governor Mani Mummuni, restated his administration’s commitment to continuing to engage all stakeholders to address security challenges.

(NAN)