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 in Abuja, the President 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.

President Tinubu 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.

He 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.

”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. 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 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.

"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 prayed.

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.’’

The Vice-President 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 for the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni said.

Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, 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.

On the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of 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.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 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 General Secretary said.

helinues:
They should stop being reckless with their statements .

Including those holding the key to gate of hell

BigkokoRep:
Mr. hell, don't you think this recklessness includes those subtly accusing his ministers and close associates of bribe taking to the Qataris? Don't you think so, old man!

I do tell some of these young people who look up to me for directions in life, "of you don't work hard and have hand work, you will most likely end up like Mr. Hellinus or Reno Omokri"

helinues:


All this una shalaye is unnecessary except if you have issue with my initial comments

BigkokoRep:
Failure to address my comment shows you as a double standard person, which majority of people see as!

Abi na only Asiwaju Sabi make reckless statements? Na so una former messiah go UK go accuse Nigeria youths of laziness whereas na the clown 🤡 no fit multiply he cows despite receiving millions from the State coffers as former Head of State....

helinues:


Ose aro kutukutu. Ain't interested in Oroki advert

Racoon:
Hear this drug baron, certificate forger, and mandate thief.

Trigga001:
I’m beginning to like this man.

helinues:


Point out to the exact issue you have with his excellency statement.

See, you guys can't just be coming online to be hating on the president and Nigeria unnecessarily.

Na witch dey behave that way. You guys should stop being one

IfnobeGod20:

Do you think everybody will be hailers of Tinubu. No reasonable person will want to denigrate his country but the prevailing situations made many to speak out and tell the story the way they are. That things are bad, you don't expect people to say they are good when in a real sense they have endure too long. Even Tinubu himself have one time denigrate the nation and her leaders ferociously. So it is not a new thing.

helinues:


Do you have comprehension problem?

What's the correlation of the guy's comments with this thread?

So what opata are you writing in his defense when you yourself couldn't point out to what is wrong with Mr president statement.

Na witch dey hate unnecessary, make una stop being one