At the special Jumat service held yesterday to commemorate the Independence Anniversary Celebration of Nigeria, Vice-President Namadi Sambo called on every citizen in the country to maintain peace and harmony so as to make this country a better place.

Joining the faithful to pray at the National Mosque, Abuja, Namadi Sambo prayed for President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders in the country for the wisdom and strength to pilot the affairs of the nation in the right direction.

 “I pray to Allah (SWT) to continue to protect our leader, protect our president, to continue to guide him and also to allow peace to reign in Nigeria, to continue to give our leaders the wisdom and the strength to put Nigeria in the right path of progress and development, for all Nigerians to be our brothers’ keeper,” Sambo was quoted as saying.

During the service, Sheikh Shehu Onidewura, the Imam of the Mosque, extolled the virtues of the founding fathers of the nation who were able to maintain peace and unity, despite series of challenges that confronted them.

While decrying the insecurity being witnessed in some parts of the country, the cleric prayed for the prosperity of Nigeria in peace and harmony.

Dignitaries who joined Sambo at the service included Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nassarawa State; Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State;  Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Chief of Defence  Staff,  Ola Ibrahim; and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed  Abubakar.

Others were the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed; Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki; and Minister of State Finance, Dr.  Yarima  Ngama,  amongst others.