In a recent statement via his official X account, Mahdi Shehu, a well-known human rights activist and political commentator, has reacted to the Nigerian Army's plead to Nigerians to pray for them.
The Director-General of the Land Forces Simulation Centre (LFSC), Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, called on Nigerians to continue praying for the Armed Forces to overcome the security challenges facing the nation.
This appeal was made during a special Juma’at prayer held in Abuja on Friday as part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024.
“I urge Nigerians to continue praying for the country, our leaders, and Almighty God to guide them. And to also pray for the Armed Forces to overcome all the security challenges we face,” Yusuf stated.
In response, Mahdi Shehu expressed his thoughts.
"You don't need prayers. We have prayed enough from 1999 to date. What you require is COURAGE," Mahdi Shehu wrote.
The call for prayers comes as a result of increasing security concerns in Nigeria.
The nation has been battling with various security issues, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings.
The Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of tackling these challenges but has often been criticized for its approach and effectiveness.
Maj.-Gen. Yusuf's appeal highlights the Army's reliance on spiritual support to bolster their efforts.
The special Juma’at prayer, attended by military personnel and civilians, aimed to seek divine intervention in addressing the nation's security challenges.
Shehu's response reflects general opinion among some Nigerians who feel that more tangible actions are needed.
His emphasis on "courage" suggests a call for decisive leadership and strategic measures rather than continued reliance on prayers alone.