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EDITORIAL | NOVEMBER 3, 2026 TINUBU KISSES BLACK STONE IN MAKKAH: HISTORY, FAITH AND THE DEBATE OVER NIGERIAN PRESIDENTS Abacha, Buhari and Tinubu: Is History Repeating Itself, or Are Nigerians Reading Too Much Into a Religious Tradition?
Date: 03-11-26
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's visit to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he reportedly kissed the sacred Black Stone, otherwise known as Hajar al-Aswad, has generated discussion across social media.
On November 2, 2026, reports and photographs emerged showing the Nigerian President participating in religious rites and entering the inner chamber of the Holy Kaaba, an exceptional privilege granted by the Saudi authorities.
However, beyond the religious significance of the occasion, some commentators have begun drawing historical comparisons between President Tinubu and former Nigerian leaders who visited the holy city.
The question attracting attention is whether these comparisons have any deeper meaning or whether Nigerians are simply connecting unrelated historical events.
ABACHA, BUHARI AND THE HISTORICAL COMPARISON
The late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, ruled Nigeria from November 1993 until his death on June 8, 1998.
Claims have circulated that Abacha kissed the Black Stone during a pilgrimage to Makkah before his death. However, the precise date and circumstances of that alleged act require independent historical verification.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also enjoyed the privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba on February 26, 2016, during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
The doors of the sacred structure were opened to Buhari and members of his delegation on the instruction of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Buhari subsequently completed his presidency in May 2023 and died in July 2025.
Now, President Tinubu has joined the list of Nigerian leaders granted access to the interior of the Kaaba.
But there is an important distinction: visiting Makkah, kissing the Black Stone and entering the Kaaba are not identical religious acts. Historical comparisons must therefore be made carefully.
DOES KISSING THE BLACK STONE HAVE ANY CONNECTION WITH DEATH?
This is perhaps the most sensitive question arising from the public discussion.
In Islamic tradition, kissing the Black Stone is an established devotional practice associated with the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is neither a declaration of impending death nor a religious prediction concerning the future of an individual.
Every human being, whether president, king, governor, religious leader or ordinary citizen, will eventually face death.
Therefore, the fact that some former leaders performed religious rites in Makkah before their deaths does not establish a relationship between those rites and their eventual passing.
Coincidence should not automatically become prophecy, and historical events should not be interpreted without sufficient evidence.
TINUBU'S PRAYERS AND NIGERIA'S EXPECTATIONS
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu used the spiritual opportunity to pray for Nigeria's peace, unity, prosperity and development.
He also expressed appreciation to the Saudi leadership for granting him and his delegation access to the sacred chamber.
For millions of Nigerians confronting economic difficulties, insecurity and other national challenges, the President's prayers may offer an occasion for reflection.
Nevertheless, prayer and public responsibility should complement one another.
Nigerians are entitled to expect practical governance, improved security, economic opportunities, stronger institutions and policies that improve everyday living conditions.
OUR EDITORIAL POSITION
At VENO International Magazine, we recognise and respect the religious rights of every Nigerian, including the President of the Federal Republic.
President Tinubu has the constitutional freedom to practise his religion, just as other citizens have the right to observe their respective faiths.
However, public discourse should distinguish between established facts, religious beliefs and unverified speculation.
The circumstances surrounding Abacha's death, Buhari's later passing and Tinubu's present pilgrimage should not be presented as evidence of a supernatural pattern.
We also believe that the President's religious devotion should not prevent legitimate public scrutiny of his administration.
The greater question is not what the President kissed in Makkah, but how his leadership will affect the lives of Nigerians.
Will the prayers for peace translate into improved security?
Will the desire for prosperity be reflected in greater economic opportunities?
Will the commitment to national unity strengthen peaceful coexistence among Nigerians?
These are legitimate questions that deserve attention.
CONCLUSION: LET HISTORY TEACH, NOT FRIGHTEN US
History provides lessons, but it must never become an instrument for spreading fear or unfounded predictions.
General Sani Abacha belonged to one chapter of Nigeria's history. Muhammadu Buhari belonged to another. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is writing his own chapter.
Their religious experiences may invite comparison, but their political circumstances and personal destinies cannot simply be equated.
As Nigerians debate the significance of the President's visit to Makkah, we should remember that religious devotion is a personal matter, while governance remains a public responsibility.
May Almighty God grant Nigeria peace, wisdom, unity and prosperity.
Date: 03-11-26
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's visit to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where he reportedly kissed the sacred Black Stone, otherwise known as Hajar al-Aswad, has generated discussion across social media.
On November 2, 2026, reports and photographs emerged showing the Nigerian President participating in religious rites and entering the inner chamber of the Holy Kaaba, an exceptional privilege granted by the Saudi authorities.
However, beyond the religious significance of the occasion, some commentators have begun drawing historical comparisons between President Tinubu and former Nigerian leaders who visited the holy city.
The question attracting attention is whether these comparisons have any deeper meaning or whether Nigerians are simply connecting unrelated historical events.
ABACHA, BUHARI AND THE HISTORICAL COMPARISON
The late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, ruled Nigeria from November 1993 until his death on June 8, 1998.
Claims have circulated that Abacha kissed the Black Stone during a pilgrimage to Makkah before his death. However, the precise date and circumstances of that alleged act require independent historical verification.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also enjoyed the privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba on February 26, 2016, during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
The doors of the sacred structure were opened to Buhari and members of his delegation on the instruction of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Buhari subsequently completed his presidency in May 2023 and died in July 2025.
Now, President Tinubu has joined the list of Nigerian leaders granted access to the interior of the Kaaba.
But there is an important distinction: visiting Makkah, kissing the Black Stone and entering the Kaaba are not identical religious acts. Historical comparisons must therefore be made carefully.
DOES KISSING THE BLACK STONE HAVE ANY CONNECTION WITH DEATH?
This is perhaps the most sensitive question arising from the public discussion.
In Islamic tradition, kissing the Black Stone is an established devotional practice associated with the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is neither a declaration of impending death nor a religious prediction concerning the future of an individual.
Every human being, whether president, king, governor, religious leader or ordinary citizen, will eventually face death.
Therefore, the fact that some former leaders performed religious rites in Makkah before their deaths does not establish a relationship between those rites and their eventual passing.
Coincidence should not automatically become prophecy, and historical events should not be interpreted without sufficient evidence.
TINUBU'S PRAYERS AND NIGERIA'S EXPECTATIONS
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu used the spiritual opportunity to pray for Nigeria's peace, unity, prosperity and development.
He also expressed appreciation to the Saudi leadership for granting him and his delegation access to the sacred chamber.
For millions of Nigerians confronting economic difficulties, insecurity and other national challenges, the President's prayers may offer an occasion for reflection.
Nevertheless, prayer and public responsibility should complement one another.
Nigerians are entitled to expect practical governance, improved security, economic opportunities, stronger institutions and policies that improve everyday living conditions.
OUR EDITORIAL POSITION
At VENO International Magazine, we recognise and respect the religious rights of every Nigerian, including the President of the Federal Republic.
President Tinubu has the constitutional freedom to practise his religion, just as other citizens have the right to observe their respective faiths.
However, public discourse should distinguish between established facts, religious beliefs and unverified speculation.
The circumstances surrounding Abacha's death, Buhari's later passing and Tinubu's present pilgrimage should not be presented as evidence of a supernatural pattern.
We also believe that the President's religious devotion should not prevent legitimate public scrutiny of his administration.
The greater question is not what the President kissed in Makkah, but how his leadership will affect the lives of Nigerians.
Will the prayers for peace translate into improved security?
Will the desire for prosperity be reflected in greater economic opportunities?
Will the commitment to national unity strengthen peaceful coexistence among Nigerians?
These are legitimate questions that deserve attention.
CONCLUSION: LET HISTORY TEACH, NOT FRIGHTEN US
History provides lessons, but it must never become an instrument for spreading fear or unfounded predictions.
General Sani Abacha belonged to one chapter of Nigeria's history. Muhammadu Buhari belonged to another. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is writing his own chapter.
Their religious experiences may invite comparison, but their political circumstances and personal destinies cannot simply be equated.
As Nigerians debate the significance of the President's visit to Makkah, we should remember that religious devotion is a personal matter, while governance remains a public responsibility.
May Almighty God grant Nigeria peace, wisdom, unity and prosperity.
LINKS
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