President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the nation in their sermons.
Tinubu said this during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja.
The President emphasized the crucial role of religious leaders in molding public opinion and promoting unity among the populace.
He called on the leaders to offer constructive criticism of elected officials, noting that his administration is committed to transforming Nigeria’s challenges into opportunities for prosperity.
He appealed to traditional and religious leaders to collaborate closely with the government to eradicate terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in the nation.
“The love for our nation rests in your hands. Offer prayers for our country. Educate our youth. The messages delivered in our churches and mosques hold great significance.
“Do not speak ill of your own country. As the Yoruba saying goes, ‘even if the waist of your child is slippery, you must not remove the beads.’
“Keep the beads on. This is your homeland; refrain from denouncing it in your sermons and avoid disparaging the nation. Leadership is about bringing about change.
“Yes, this leader may be bad, agreed. But wait until the next election to make a change, and do not speak ill of your country. Do not denigrate Nigeria. It is a beautiful land.”
The President, expressing gratitude for the birthday wishes and goodwill on his birthday, noted to the leaders that his birthday on March 29th coincided with Good Friday.
“I am honored to have my birthday on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, everyone will return to their homes safely. May God guide and protect you and your families, keeping you in good health and uplifting your spirits,” said the President.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima also spoke, highlighting the crucial roles of religious and traditional leaders in fostering peace and unity, and encouraged them to keep building bridges across ethnic and religious divides.
The Vice-President was pleased to report that the nation’s economy is recovering, marked by the naira’s strengthening against the dollar.
“The President has the nation’s best interests at heart and continues to redefine modern leadership,” said the Vice-President, acknowledging the long-standing issue of fuel subsidy. “The President made a decisive move from the outset, propelling the economy forward.”
Representing the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, pledged steadfast support from traditional rulers to the President, praising efforts to mitigate food price surges and security issues.
“You are not alone, Mr. President. Food prices are slowly decreasing. Your commitment to security is commendable, and we will support your vision for our nation’s improvement,” the Ooni stated.
Speaking for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, emphasized Ramadan’s importance for reflection, empathy, and unity, and conveyed optimism for peace and stability in the country.
“I am pleased to see Muslim and Christian community representatives here. May God bless the President to further lead our country to prosperity,” the Emir expressed.
Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, noted the significance of the Ramadan dinner coinciding with Maundy Thursday and lauded Tinubu for promoting state-church harmony.
“We are heartened by your administration’s resolve in addressing kidnapping and banditry,” Fatokun conveyed on behalf of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
