President Tinubu urges religious leaders to foster unity, constructive criticism

President Bola Tinubu has urged religious leaders to avoid vilifying or disparaging the nation in their sermons.

Tinubu stated this during a Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

The President emphasised the importance of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of community among citizens.

He urged leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions, emphasising that his administration was committed to transforming Nigeria’s challenges into opportunities.

He urged traditional and religious leaders to form a strong alliance with the government to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminal activity in the country.

“The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important.

“Do not condemn your nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say, ‘no matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there.’

“Leave the beads there. This is your country; do not condemn it in sermons, do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for change.

“Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land.”

The President, who thanked the leaders for their birthday greetings, reminded them that his birthday, March 29, coincided with Good Friday.

“I have earned the honour of having my birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your homes safely.

“May God guide and keep you and your families in good health, and lift your spirits,’’ the President said.

Also speaking, Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasized the pivotal roles of religious and traditional rulers in promoting peace and unity, urging them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.’’

The Vice-President expressed delight that the country’s economy is recovering, noting that the naira has strengthened against the dollar.

“The President means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.

“For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner,” the Vice-President said.

Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, spoke on behalf of Nigeria’s Traditional Rulers Council, assuring the President of traditional rulers’ unwavering support.

Ogunwusi praised the government’s efforts to address the rising food prices and security concerns.

“You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down.

“You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision to the betterment of our nation,’’ the Ooni said.

Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, spoke on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), emphasising the importance of Ramadan as a time of reflection, empathy, and unity.

On the country’s security situation, Bamalli, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and the President General of the NSCIA, expressed hope that the country would regain peace and stability.

‘’I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,’’ the Emir said.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), stated that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders coincided with Maundy Thursday.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), today is the Thursday before Easter, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Fatokun, who delivered CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh’s address, praised Tinubu for promoting harmony between the state and the church.

“We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

“We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,’’ he said.