Tinubu: Allah gives power, can take it away

President Bola Tinubu has declared that political power and authority ultimately belong to Almighty Allah, who can take them away from one person and give them to another.
Tinubu made the declaration on Monday after performing the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he reflected on the responsibilities of leadership and his commitment to Nigeria’s development.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to enable him to continue discharging his responsibilities to Nigerians.
Emphasising the temporary nature of political power, Tinubu said those entrusted with authority must exercise it responsibly and in accordance with the expectations attached to their positions.
“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” the President said.
He added: “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.”
The President expressed confidence that his prayers for wisdom and resilience had been answered.
“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to pray inside the Holy Ka’abah.
Describing the experience as historic, he said the opportunity was an honour he deeply appreciated.
“It is an honour that I enjoyed, and it is gracious of them to have allowed me to enter inside the Ka’abah. This is history,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to Nigeria’s development, the President said he remained determined to pursue economic prosperity and national progress.
“My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people,” he stated.
On the economy, Tinubu expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, maintaining that the foundation had become stronger after a difficult period.
“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.
The President also emphasised the importance of investing in young Nigerians, warning that the future of the country depended on the opportunities and support available to the next generation.
According to him, leaders must be deliberate about building a future that would benefit young people and generations yet unborn.
“We need to build a future for our youth. If we don’t invest in their future, how do we want to be remembered as leaders 50 years from now?” he asked.
Members of the presidential delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders Abdulsamad Rabiu and Wale Tinubu were also among those who accompanied the President.