President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger intervention by religious leaders in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violent extremism.
The President made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume CON, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
President Tinubu urged religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to use their moral authority and extensive networks to consistently speak out against the killing of innocent people and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
According to an official statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the President also tasked religious institutions with strengthening advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral formation of young people.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” President Tinubu said.
He urged religious leaders to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances should never be used as justification for lawlessness or violence.
The President stressed that no genuine service to God could be advanced by destroying innocent human life, calling on spiritual leaders to promote the sanctity of life and peaceful coexistence.
He said religious leaders had a critical role to play in confronting the growing challenges of violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime and the manipulation of identity and religion.
President Tinubu specifically highlighted the extensive networks of the Tijjaniyya community across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, saying they could be deployed to support reconciliation, counter violent extremism, guide young people and promote humanitarian solidarity across the Sahel and wider region.
He said the Federal Government recognised the important roles of religious and traditional leaders in deepening tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The President further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s peace and stability had implications beyond its borders.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” he said, adding that religious communities with transnational connections could complement the efforts of governments and regional institutions in building an architecture of social peace.
President Tinubu assured that the Federal Government would continue to uphold freedom of worship while strengthening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
He also welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars and spiritual leaders who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud.
The President paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, describing him as a prominent Islamic scholar, teacher and advocate of peace and moderation.
He said preserving Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, peaceful coexistence and concern for society would constitute a lasting tribute to the late cleric.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the successful hosting of the event.
