President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged that his position as Nigeria’s leader is a privilege granted by Almighty Allah, stressing that political power is not permanent and can be taken away from anyone who fails to use it responsibly.
The President made the remarks while speaking about his recent pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah and was given the rare opportunity to enter the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to offer prayers.
Tinubu said his emergence as President and Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria was beyond what personal ambition or human effort alone could achieve, describing it as a special blessing from God.
According to him, Allah remains the ultimate source of authority, with the power to place anyone in a position of leadership and remove them whenever He chooses.
The President cautioned that those who receive political power must govern in line with God’s expectations, warning that such authority should not be treated as a personal possession.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority. He says, ‘If I give you, 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. I am the only One who has that authority,” Tinubu said.
He further noted that becoming Nigeria’s President among millions of citizens was an extraordinary opportunity that could only have been made possible by divine favour.
Reflecting on his experience in Makkah, Tinubu expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for allowing him and his delegation to enter the Ka’abah, describing the privilege as an unforgettable experience.
He also expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its difficulties, urging Nigerians to maintain their faith in God despite the challenges facing the country.
Among those who accompanied the President on the pilgrimage were Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from Kaduna, Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe and Kwara states.
The delegation also included prominent business figures such as BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.
