‘Allah gives, takes power’ — Tinubu reflects on leadership after Ka’abah visit

President Bola Tinubu has said Allah is the ultimate giver and taker of political power, declaring that authority can be withdrawn from one person and given to another.

Tinubu made the remark while reflecting on his visit to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah, where he said he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigerians.

The President spoke on Monday after performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Speaking about the responsibility that comes with public office, Tinubu said anyone entrusted with authority must use it responsibly because power ultimately belongs to Allah.

“There is no other God but Almighty Allah. He is the giver and the taker. He owns power and authority,” he 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.”

Tinubu also disclosed that he prayed for wisdom and resilience to continue leading Nigeria, saying he believed his prayer had been granted.

“Well, I asked for wisdom and resilience to continue to serve the people. I know that prayer has been granted,” he said.

The President thanked 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 Ka’abah, describing the experience as historic.

“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.

Tinubu further reaffirmed his commitment to Project Nigeria, saying he remained determined to pursue prosperity and national development.

“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 said.

On the economy, the President described the country’s economic foundation as solid, saying Nigeria had emerged from a difficult period.

“The foundation is solid, and the economy has come out of the dark tunnel. This is inspiring,” he said.

He also stressed the need to invest in young Nigerians, asking how leaders expected to be remembered if they failed to secure the future of the next generation.

“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 delegation included Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, governors from Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states, as well as business leaders Abdulsamad Rabiu and Wale Tinubu.