Nigeria at 65: Imam Gusau Urges Leaders to Embrace Good Governance, Fear of Allah

By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the Name of Allah, The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful

Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared today Wednesday, October 01, 2025, a public holiday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

In the statement, Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad, urging citizens to uphold the values of patriotism, unity, and resilience that have kept the country together since independence in 1960.

He urged Nigerians to further keep faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is anchored on national rebirth, economic transformation, and collective prosperity.

The Minister further expressed optimism about the nation’s future, stressing that Nigeria’s unity and cooperation remain key to its progress.

The Minister expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all Nigerians, the country will continue to grow stronger in peace, progress, and development.

He also wished Nigerians a joyful and memorable Independence Day celebration.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 01, 1960. This year’s celebration, themed “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” has already kicked off with prayer sessions in mosques and churches nationwide.

Respected brothers and sisters! Know that, good governance and fear of Allah are the major driving forces towards unity, peace, security, and sustainable development in Nigeria, as in any other country of the world. However, good Governance has been a problem for our dear Nigerian state. After several series of military interventions and her return to democracy in 1999, there has been an absence of elements of good governance in all facets of governance due to mainly lack of fear of Allah, corruption, mismanagement of resources, nepotism, and an avalanche of decadence bedeviling our dear nation. Furthermore, it entrenches to the menace of unemployment, ethnic crisis, ethno-religious crises, intra-religious crisis, farmers-herders crisis, kidnapping, banditry, Boko haram terrorist organisations, and host of others facing the country. The non-conformity to respect the tenets of good governance such as accountability, transparency, equitability, inclusiveness, and, adherence to the rule of law has been our major problems as a nation.

Dear brothers and sisters! The noble Qur’an describes good governance as the law of justice, a just and principled order and compliance of rights and responsibilities in a society. The Qur’an declares:

“Those when given authority in land, establish (system of) salah (prayer), give zakah and enjoin what is good (ma’ruf) and forbid what is wrong (munkar).” [Qur’an, 22:41]

It further says:

“O you who believe stand up as a witness for Allah in all fairness, and do not let the hatred of people deviate you from justice. Be just, this is closest to piety.” [Qur’an, 5:8]

Islamic view of good governance is qualitative and not mechanical. The major features of good governance can be précised under seven fundamentals:

1.Rules of Law (Ash-Shurah), 2. Khilafah, 3. Accountability, 4. Transparency, 5. Justice, 6. Equity, 7. Al-amru bil ma’ruf wa nahyi anil-munkar.

Fellow Nigerians! We are deeply saddened and very concerned about the heightened degree of insecurity in the country and the attendant fatalities, tensions, fear and confusion being foisted upon the citizenry.

Therefore we calls on the governments at all levels to fear Allah and redouble their efforts in protecting the lives and properties of the citizens. We also urge the citizens to be law abiding, to be vigilant and conscious of their neighbourhood and discharge their civic responsibilities of assisting the law enforcement agencies.

We also enjoins the citizens to intensify prayers for the nation’s comprehensive unity, peace and security.

We urges all citizens to continue to support all efforts to sustain a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Ya Allah, unite our nation around the principles of justice, unity, peace, love and faith.

Ya Allah, put peace and love in our hearts for the diversity that makes our nation so beautiful.

Ya Allah, the Most Merciful, we pray for our nation to remain tolerant and loving, remove prejudice from our hearts, and allow us to love our brothers and sisters in humanity.

Ya Allah, allow our Governments at all levels, to remain accountable to the people, give them vision and wisdom, as they take decisions affecting peace in our nation so that they may uphold peace in the country, advance the welfare of our nation and deal kindly and justly with all our communities.

Ya Allah, the Most Strong, give us the strength to protect and care for our neighbours.

Ya Allah, make our hearts and minds aware of our heritage, fulfilling duties and responsibilities as a citizens.

Ya Allah, the Most Merciful, allow us to show kindness to those most vulnerable in the society.

Ya Allah, protect us from evil, inspire and guide us in defending those open to abuse.

Ya Allah, the Most Generous, allow us to give in charitable activity, and to help those most in need.

Ya Allah, make us more conscious of what is not good for us.

Ya Allah, the Most merciful, the Most Generous, please give us the patience to continue to learn from one another and work towards a more peaceful and kind Nigeria.

Ya Allah, make our hearts generous so that we may treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Help us to share that which we have with others, for your sake. Strengthen us, love us and be kind to us all.

Ya Allah, have mercy on us all and make NIGERIA🇳🇬 and our leaders succeed, ameen.

Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa bara ka tuh

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.

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