Umrah: Only Allah Can Take Power From Me — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said Allah can take power away from him and give it to another person if he fails to use it in accordance with His dictates, expressing faith in divine authority as he reflected on his leadership and responsibilities to Nigerians.

Tinubu stated this in a video interview shared by the Tinubu Media Centre, where he disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians during his recent spiritual journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The President said he had made a similar prayer before the 2023 presidential election, promising to return to thank Allah if his request for a successful Umrah was granted.

“There’s no other God but Almighty Allah. He’s the giver and the taker. He owns the power. He says, use it well. If you don’t use it in accordance with my dictates, I can take it from you and give it to another person,” Tinubu said.

He added that he believed his emergence as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria was a favour from God, considering the millions of people in the country.

“Out of millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour from God Almighty,” he said.

Reflecting on his visit to the Holy Mosque in Mecca, Tinubu expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity, good health and a successful journey.

“I feel fulfilled and grateful to Almighty Allah, given us the opportunity, the health, the day that went very well,” he said.

The President said his prayer was for God to help Nigeria manage its diversity and achieve prosperity, noting that the country comprises people of different faiths.

“The prayer is for Allah, subhana to Allah, to comfort our diversity. Nigeria is full of diverse people. It’s made up of all the faiths.

“May Allah comfort our diversity to prosperity for the entire country. That’s the prayer,” he said.

Tinubu said he had asked Allah for wisdom and resilience to enable him to continue serving the people, adding that he believed the prayers had been answered.

“Well, I ask for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that has been granted. Prior to 2023 election, I did the same thing.

“I asked Allah to bless my Umrah then. He did, and I promise that I’ll come back to thank him,” he said.

The President also reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s development, saying he was determined to pursue policies that would bring prosperity to the country in line with his faith and the aspirations of Nigerians.

“My commitment is higher, determined to bring prosperity, to develop the country consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to put God first, follow their consciences and pursue the right path towards national development.

“It is important to put Allah first, then move on. Follow your conscience. Follow the right path that will lead Nigeria to that greatness,” Tinubu said.

On the economy, the President expressed optimism about the country’s direction, describing the foundation as solid and saying the economy had emerged from what he called a dark tunnel.

“The foundation is solid. The economy has come out of the dark tunnel. It’s inspiring,” he said.

Tinubu, however, stressed the need for sustained investment in the future of young Nigerians, warning that leaders must consider how they would be remembered if they failed to provide opportunities for the next generation.

“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, in 50 years from now, how do we want to be remembered as leaders? That’s the main thing. I’m not looking for anything else,” he said.

The President also thanked those involved in the visit for the hospitality and recognition accorded to him as leader of the Nigerian delegation.

He said he was particularly moved by the sight of Nigeria’s green-white-green national colours in connection with his visit to the Kaaba, describing the experience as one that strengthened his gratitude.

Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome the challenges confronting it through faith in God.

“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome it with faith in God Almighty. I am grateful forever,” he said.