ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across the country to consistently speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence, stressing that no genuine service to God can be achieved through the destruction of innocent lives.
Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
The event brought together the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries.
The President said religious leaders have a crucial responsibility to confront violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
He urged religious institutions and their networks to intensify 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,” Tinubu said.
He added that religious institutions must become stronger advocates for peaceful coexistence while reminding political leaders of the principles of justice, responsibility and compassion.
Tinubu also cautioned citizens against turning legitimate grievances into justification for lawlessness or violence.
“Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred,” he said.
The President noted that the Maulud was taking place at a critical period in global affairs, with countries facing multiple challenges, including armed conflicts, insecurity, climate-related shocks, food and energy crises, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and the growing manipulation of identity and religion.
He cited a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which put the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide at 117.8 million at the end of 2025.
According to Tinubu, the scale of these challenges makes the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly important because of their ability to influence communities, resolve grievances and promote reconciliation.
He described spiritual leaders as those who “guard the frontiers of conscience,” noting that they have an important role to play in healing wounds, resolving disputes and addressing hatred and bitterness within communities.
The President specifically highlighted the extensive networks of the Tijjaniyya community across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, saying the networks could be deployed to promote reconciliation, counter violent extremism, guide young people and strengthen humanitarian efforts across the Sahel and wider West Africa.
Tinubu said the Federal Government recognises the important contributions of religious and traditional leaders to national peace and cohesion.
He listed their roles to include deepening tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He noted that Nigeria’s strategic position at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region makes the country’s peace and stability important to the entire region.
According to him, religious communities with strong transnational networks, including the Tijjaniyya, can serve as valuable partners to governments and regional institutions in building sustainable social peace.
He said such partnerships should draw on the ethical values promoted by religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service to humanity and respect for the sanctity of human life.
Tinubu described Nigeria’s diversity and religious plurality as among the country’s greatest strengths and assured citizens that his administration would continue to protect their freedom to practise their faith.
He also pledged continued collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
The President welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and other guests who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries to attend the Maulud.
He described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition has developed deep roots in Islamic scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.
Tinubu also recalled his recent reception of a high-level delegation of the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House in Abuja, where prayers were offered for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria and for the continued relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.
The President paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a significant role in organising the Maulud.
He described the late Islamic scholar as one of the towering figures whose absence was deeply felt at the gathering.
Tinubu recalled that following Sheikh Dahiru’s death in November 2025, he described him as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason,” as well as an advocate of peace and piety.
According to the President, the most enduring way to honour the late scholar would be to preserve his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the wellbeing of society.
He urged religious leaders and institutions to continue using their influence to build bridges across communities and support efforts aimed at creating a more peaceful, tolerant and united Nigeria.
