Host Oil Communities Declare Fasting, Prayers for Buhari

The leadership of several oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta yesterday declared a period of fasting and prayer for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari, currently in London, United Kingdom over health-related issues. 

National Chairman of the Host Communities of Nigeria, (HOSCON), an umbrella body of all areas producing oil and gas, Dr. Mike Emuh, said the decision to embark on the religious exercise was hinged on its belief that the current government was capable of solving the problems of the region. 

According to Emuh, a bishop, the renewed attention paid by the Buhari-led administration to the agitations by the communities in the region, should be encouraged by all peace-loving people in the oil-bearing communities. 

In a statement on Friday signed by Mr. Monday Whisky, the group’s Spokesman, Emuh stated that the prayer session which had already begun, would last three days, and would be supervised by 50 clerics from the affected oil and gas producing areas. 

“At an enlarged national emergency meeting of the Host Communities of Nigeria, HOSCON producing oil and gas, presided over by the national Chairman, Bishop Dr. Mike Emuh (JP) the Issue of the President’s health was exhaustively discussed. 

“The need for HOSCON to stand in the gap in offering prayers for the President’s quick recovery was approved by the general house. 

“The emergency national meeting resolved as follows: that the entire leadership of the HOSCON in the 17 oil/gas producing, including impacted and satellite states, would starting today, hold a three-day fasting and prayer on a daily basis. 

“This is to seek God’s intervention in the current health situation of the President, Muhammadu Buhari”, HOSCON leadership said. 

It noted that while the current government embarks on righting the wrongs done to Niger Delta communities in the past, the people of the region should in turn pray for good health during the period to ensure good health for the President. 

“That the leadership of HOSCON believes so much in the pragmatic leadership style of president Muhammadu Buhari and seeking the face of God to grant him quick recovery will not be out of place for the HOSCON to embark upon. 

“Host Communities of Nigeria as a grassroots oriented and peoples friendly pressure group believes strongly in the efficacy of fasting and prayers in addressing whatever health challenges our dear president has now. 

“We have also mobilised  over 50 notable clergymen across the producing, imparted and satellite states to lead this fasting and prayer throughout the three-day duration”, Emuh stressed. 

The Chairman also urged Nigerians, irrespective of party affiliations, religious differences and tribal groupings, to rally round the current government to ensure its success.