Religious leaders should not speak ill of Nigeria in their sermons – Tinubu.
Religious leaders have been urged by President Bola Tinubu not to preach hate speech or degrading remarks about the country.
At Thursday’s Ramadan Iftar at the State House in Abuja, the President spoke with traditional rulers and religious leaders. He highlighted the significant role that religious leaders play in influencing public opinion and promoting unity among the people.
He begged the top brass to be more helpful when they criticised candidates for public office.
Despite Nigeria’s difficulties, President Tinubu has stated that his administration is committed to overcoming them.
No amount of terror attacks on innocent Nigerians, he insisted, will be able to break the will of the people as a whole.
In order to combat crimes such as kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry, he emphasised the importance of traditional and religious leaders establishing a solid relationship with the government.
I paid my respects at the funeral yesterday in Abuja to the 17 servicemen who lost their lives in combat in Okuama, Delta State. They showed me their pregnant wives and small children.
You have the power to love your country. Offer your prayers for the safety of our nation. Teach our youth. Preaching to the congregations of our houses of worship is a sacred duty.
Keep your mouth shut about your own country. “You must leave the beads there no matter how slick the bottom of your child is,” our fathers and I heard them say when we were Yoruba men.
Do not remove the beads. In your preaching, do not belittle or criticise your country; this is your home. To lead is to bring about transformation.
This leader is terrible, I agree. Very well. Put him aside until the next election, and don’t be so quick to criticise your nation. Avoid cursing Nigeria. It is a lovely place to live.
After receiving many well-wishes and birthday greetings, the president took a moment to remind the assembled leaders that his special day fell on Good Friday, March 29, 2024.
I hope that everyone makes it home safely on Maundy Thursday; it is an honour to have my birthday on Good Friday. The president prayed that God would bless them and their families with good health and a positive outlook.
Several speakers at the dinner conveyed their appreciation for the chance to reunite with the President over a shared meal in the Ramadan spirit and to reestablish the friendships that bind the country.
The importance of religious and traditional leaders in fostering unity and peace was highlighted by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who urged them to “create bridges that transcend ethnic and religious barriers.”
The Vice President highlighted the strengthening of the naira against the dollar and expressed happiness that the nation’s economy is on the mend.
Even as he has continued to reimagine contemporary leadership, the president has good intentions for the country.
Fuel subsidies were a burden for a long time. The president wasted little time getting down to business after making a daring move on day one. The vice president announced that the economy is finally showing signs of improvement.
Assuring the President of the unfaltering support of traditional rulers, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, spoke on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria. He lauded the government’s endeavours to tackle the rising food costs and security concerns.
“Mr. President, you have company. All things considered, the prices of food and other goods are going down. We will not stand by and watch while you devote all your energy to security. We shall join hands to support your goal for the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni stated.
Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), stressed the significance of Ramadan as a month of contemplation, empathy, and solidarity.
On the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and the President General of the NSCIA, expressed optimism that the country will return to peace and stability.
”I am glad to meet representatives of Muslim and Christian groups 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 prayed.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Samson Fatokun observed that the gathering of religious and traditional leaders for the Ramadan meal fell on the same day as Maundy Thursday, the Thursday preceding Easter, when Christians remember the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist.
In delivering the CAN president’s message, Archbishop Daniel Okoh’s general secretary praised President Tinubu for working to bring the state and the church into closer communion.
The fact that your government is so committed to solving the problems of banditry and kidnapping and punishing those responsible for these heinous crimes gives us hope.
“We will remain fully committed to supporting your administration as you carry out your admirable vision for the country,” stated the CAN General Secretary.