First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said that she is not involved in organising a national prayer.
The first lady and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), were reportedly billed to lead a national prayer amid the challenges bedveiling Nigeria.
The 7-day event, tagged ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs’, is said to be organised in collaboration with Christian and Muslim leaders.
The director-general of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), Segun Afolorunikan, who made the announcement, said Christians would meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week-long intercession while Muslims would convene at the National Mosque in Abuja.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, Busola Kukoyi, senior special assistant on media to the first lady, distanced her boss from the organisation of any prayers.
She also said that though Tinubu is an advocate of prayer, she “believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly”.
“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue,” Kukoyi said.
“This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON is not organizing a National Prayer.
“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms are unfounded and misleading. Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her Office through Official channels. Kindly be advised accordingly.”
In the meantime, the first lady was reported to lead, not organising the prayer session.
Kukoyi, however, did not disclose whether Tinubu would take part in the event and in what capacity.