Tinubu To Religious Leaders: Refrain From Denigrating Nigeria In Your Sermons

President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the nation in their sermons. 

Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday, the President, according to a release issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, emphasized the important role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions. 

According to President Tinubu: “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 own 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. 

The President also declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity. 

He reiterated that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens. 

President Tinubu urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country. 

”Yesterday in Abuja, I attended the burial of the 17 soldiers killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.”

While supporting the notion that leadership is meant for changes, the President, however, posited that next election in the country will be an opportunity to effect such changes but not through condemnation.

His words: “Leadership is meant for changes. 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”. 

In his comments about the current challenges the nation faces, President Tinubu said even those developed nations went through similar and that there is no nation across the world today that is not facing challenges.

He, however, assured them that if the nation works together as one, the current challenges will be gone and the desired nation will be achieved.

“Yes, we are challenged, that is true, no nation that is not currently challenged, one way or the other, but it is with God-given talents and resolve of all of us to say that we will overcome the challenges and turn it to prosperity. By the grace of God we will, we will turn it around. There’s a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

“I believe it also that somewhere in the eye of the storm, is some corner of calmness and joy for those who will serve with faith and determination. 

“We’ve seen the challenges of insecurity, yes many nations go through it. Some of those prosperous nations today, if they look back, they will find in history of their nations, blood on their snow. They fought battles to be what they are.

“Maybe our beautiful weather, our rich land, our loving parents have spoiled us. They didn’t wean us early enough from breast feeding, so every minute we have to cry of hunger. We didn’t forget our childhood. But we will believe in the prosperity and the love and care of that woman, the mother, Nigeria.

“So, I’m with you, no matter the degree of the lamentation, my own is don’t give up. As long as we are determined to change our country, it is our own to change. Nobody, all these America, Britain France and others, they can’t love us better than ourselves.

“We can drive on good roads like they have in their infrastructure, we can have first class education. We give you the assurance, as a government that you will be our priority, but not because of you, but because of your children. Who do we hand over to”, he said.  

The President, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that his birthday on March 29, 2024, coincided with Good Friday. 

According to him: “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”.

Different speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the President and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.

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.’’

He expressed delight that the nation’s economy is on a rebound, noting the strengthening of the naira 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.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, assured the President of the unwavering support of traditional rulers, and commended the government’s efforts to address the hike in food prices and the security challenges. 

”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.  

On his part, Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Yusuf Nuhu Bamalli, while speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity. 

Commenting on the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, NSCIA, expressed optimism that the country will return to 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 prayed. 

General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Samson Fatokun noted that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper. 

The General Secretary, who delivered the address of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Tinubu for fostering a harmonious relationship 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,” CAN Scribe said.

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

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