President Bola Tinubu has urged religious leaders across the country to speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
According to a statement by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said religious leaders had a crucial role in confronting extremism, promoting peace and guiding young people.
He urged religious institutions to strengthen peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and moral development.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” the President said.
Tinubu also urged religious leaders to promote justice, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances.
He said legitimate grievances must not become justification for lawlessness or violence.
The President said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive networks across Africa and other parts of the world, could play a significant role in reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian support.
According to him, religious and traditional leaders remain important partners in promoting tolerance, countering misinformation and strengthening grassroots peacebuilding.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s strategic position in West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin and the Gulf of Guinea meant that peace in the country had implications beyond its borders.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to freedom of worship and continued collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, describing him as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason”.
He said preserving the late cleric’s legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, peaceful coexistence and service to society would be the most enduring tribute to him.
The President commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, Kano State Government, traditional rulers, security agencies, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the Maulud.
