President Bola Tinubu has declared that political power belongs to Almighty Allah, who has the authority to give it to anyone and take it away, warning leaders entrusted with power to exercise it in accordance with God’s dictates.
Tinubu spoke while reflecting on his recent Umrah pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, during which he was granted access to the Holy Ka’abah in Makkah to pray.
The President described his emergence as Nigeria’s leader as an extraordinary favour from God, saying his position as President and Commander-in-Chief could not be attributed solely to human effort.
According to him, political authority is ultimately controlled by Allah and should therefore be exercised responsibly by those who are entrusted with it.
“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 said becoming President from among millions of Nigerians was a special blessing that could only have come from God.
“Out of many millions of people, to be the President and Commander-in-Chief is a favour that only Almighty God can do to a human being,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for granting him and members of his delegation access to the Ka’abah.
Describing the experience as historic, the President said he was particularly struck by the green and white colours of the fencing around the Ka’abah, which he said reminded him of Nigeria’s national identity.
“I want to say a big thank you for the faith, for the recognition. I can’t believe the fencing of the Ka’abah is in Green-White-Green, which reminds us of the Nigerian identity,” he said.
Tinubu thanked the Saudi leadership and administrators of the holy sites for the hospitality and recognition accorded him as Nigeria’s leader and head of the delegation.
“I thank the Crown Prince and all the administrators of the holy land. I thank them for the hospitality and recognition given to me as the leader of the delegation and the country.
“We are all facing challenges and hostility around us. We will overcome them with faith in God Almighty. I’m grateful forever. I thank the King and the royal Crown Prince,” he added.
The President was accompanied on the pilgrimage by members of his cabinet, governors and prominent Nigerian business leaders.
Those in the delegation included the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; and governors of Borno, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Kwara states.
Business leaders in the delegation included BUA Group Chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Oando Chief Executive Officer, Wale Tinubu.
Tinubu’s remarks come as his administration continues to defend its policies and record in office amid criticism from opposition parties and other stakeholders over economic hardship, insecurity and other challenges facing Nigerians.
The President has repeatedly urged Nigerians to remain patient with his administration, insisting that the reforms being implemented by his government are aimed at repositioning the country and improving its long-term economic prospects.
