I need your prayers to overcome Nigeria's challenges - Buhari begs Nigerians

Irked by the hardship experienced by Nigerians in the face of dwindling economic fortunes , President Muhammadu Buhari , has said the task of governing Nigeria remains a huge challenge , which calls for prayers from Nigerians. The president also added that it was only prayers that could assist the country to overcome its socio - economic and security challenges .

The president ’s statement came as fresh facts emerged that ministers in the present administration have been paid allowances due to them almost eight months after they assumed office, an online news portal, Sahel Standard has learnt .

But speaking on Tuesday night while breaking his fast with members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC ) at the presidential banquet hall of Aso Villa, Abuja , President Buhari said the Ramadan period provided an opportunity for leaders to be more conscious of their actions.

He said: “ Let me assure that the time of Ramadan is making us more conscious of what leaders at every level ought to do and leading the people is not a joke . It means accepting responsibilities for good or wrong . “ We need a lot of prayers.

This month of prayers and service to God, let’ s keep on these prayers all the times , believing that God in His infinite mercy will listen to our prayers, give us peace , security and better the economy once more so that we can quickly rebuild and even do more for the country .

“With the nation ’s economy going down we haven’ t developed agriculture , we ’ re still trying to talk to those who ’ll come and develop the solid mineral for us. ” The President who expressed delight that Nigeria still retains its position of being a strong pillar in the continent , advised the citizens to shun unpatriotic acts .

“It’ s no news that we are the biggest country in Africa, we ’ re the economy engine of Africa, which are true by the way. But we must always be patriotic in our dealings with others. “ It strengthens our resolve to build our country to make it stronger and to make sure that the incoming generations are sufficiently motivated to be patriotic ,” the president stated.

Meanwhile , Sahel Standard reported that the payment , which was made to the ministers’ individual accounts few days after due approval by the President ended months of uncertainty over the nonpayment of their allowances .

A source, who spoke on anonymity , said : “ It is a good thing for our ministers to laugh and be happy after their allowances were cleared by the President . This is a good thing which will further reinforce confidence in our ministers to perform. ”

It would be recalled that reports last month revealed many ministers were expressing frustration over the delayed payment of their allowances , with claims that they (ministers) are unable to get befitting accommodations and other privileges that are necessarily due to the offices they occupy .

Their complaints were reportedly tabled before President Buhari in a meeting few weeks ago , following which the President promised to act despite funding constraints among others. But it was learnt that the President few days ago authorized the payment of all due allowances accrued to the ministers, with Vice - President Yemi Osibajo , relaying the payment order. While the allowances covered house , transport, furniture and others, it was , however , not clear whether presidential assistants and aides of the ministers have been paid .

It was also gathered that the payment of allowances of the ministers, which got leaked to some civil servants , ignited the protest by workers of the finance ministry who argued that their allowances should also be paid by the minister .