Nigeria @57: Buhari, Saraki, Sambo pray inside Aso Rock

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday led dignitaries to attend a special Juma’ at service in commemoration of the nation ’ s 57th Independence Anniversary.

The service was held inside a mosque located near the President ’ s office at the Presidential Villa , Abuja.

Buhari was joined at the prayer session by the Senate President , Bukola Saraki ; and former Vice- President Namadi Sambo , among others.

The Chief of Army Staff , Lt . Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique; Inspector - General of Police, Ibrahim Idris ; and Comptroller -General of Customs , Hameed Ali , also attended the service .
Others in attendance were the Minister of the Interior, Abdurahman Danbazzau; Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; Minister of Communications , Adebayo Shittu ; and some other senior officials in the presidency.

Saraki later told State House correspondents that the nation had achieved a lot in the 57 years of its independence.

He urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the country.

“A lot of people would ask: what are we congratulating ourselves about ? We have achieved a lot. We have been able to maintain our peace despite our diversity.

“Every nation has been tested ; the most important thing now is for us to stay together. We shouldn’ t lose hope . We should continue to pray for the unity of Nigeria , ” he said.

While Sambo left the Presidential Villa immediately after the service , Saraki proceeded to the President ’ s official residence.

Buhari is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Sunday as part of activities marking the independence anniversary.

An interdenominational church service will also hold on the same day at the National Christian Centre , Abuja.

Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to lead top government officials to the service.