Don’t condemn Nigeria, President Tinubu urges clerics

Religious leaders have been urged by President Bola Tinubu not to denigrate the country in their sermons.

At the State House in Abuja on Thursday during Ramadan Iftar, Tinubu made this statement in the presence of traditional rulers and religious leaders.

The President emphasized how important religious leaders are in influencing public opinion and creating a feeling of national cohesion.

He urged the leaders to criticize those holding elective office more constructively, stressing that his administration was committed to transforming Nigeria’s difficulties into prosperity.

To combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other types of criminality in the nation, he urged traditional and religious leaders to establish a close relationship with the government.

You hold the key to the nation’s love. For our nation, offer up prayers. Teach our kids. Preaching sermons to members of our churches and mosques is a serious business.

Don’t criticize your own country. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers often say, “You have to leave the beads there, no matter how slippery the bottom of your child is.”

The beads should stay there. This is your country; do not misuse it or disparage it in sermons. Change is the purpose of leadership.

Indeed, Fine, this leader is awful. To remove him, wait for the next election; nevertheless, do not decry your nation. Don’t curse the nation of Nigeria. This country is breathtaking.

The President reminded the leaders that his birthday was on March 29—Good Friday—while also acknowledging the birthday greetings and well wishes that had been sent his way.

“I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, everyone will return home safely. I have earned the honor of having my birthday fall on Good Friday.”

The president prayed, “May God guide and keep you and your families in good health and lift your spirits.”

Vice-President Kashim Shettima also spoke, stressing the importance of religious and traditional leaders in fostering harmony and peace and calling on them to keep “building bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.”

The vice president noted the strengthening of the naira versus the dollar and expressed happiness at the country’s economic recovery.

The President continues to expand on the definition and idea of contemporary leadership, with good intentions for the country.

The fuel subsidy was an albatross for a long time. The president made a daring choice on his first day in office, and he was immediately effective. The economy is now improving, according to the vice president.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, spoke on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria and gave the President assurances about the unwavering support of traditional rulers.

Ogunwusi applauded the government’s initiatives in tackling the issues of rising food costs and security.

You are not by yourself, President. Food and merchandise prices are steadily declining.

“We can’t let you handle security alone, even though you’re trying your hardest. The Ooni declared, “We will work together to support your vision for the betterment of our country.”

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, emphasized the importance of Ramadan as a time for introspection, compassion, and unity.

Bamalli, who spoke on behalf of the President General of the NSCIA and the Sultan of Sokoto, expressed hope that the nation would reestablish peace and stability in regards to the security situation.

It pleases me to see members of the Christian and Muslim communities gathered here. The Emir prayed that God Almighty would grant the President more strength to carry out his plans to lead the nation to the Promised Land.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) general secretary, apostle Samson Fatokun, pointed out that Maundy Thursday fell on the same day as the Ramadan dinner with traditional and religious leaders.

It is the Thursday before Easter, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and is celebrated in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

In his speech on behalf of CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Fatokun praised Tinubu for promoting a cordial relationship between the government and the church.

We are heartened by the tremendous resolve with which your administration has confronted the problems of kidnapping and banditry, as well as the pursuit of justice for those responsible for this heinous deed.

He declared, “We will keep supporting your administration so that you can carry out your admirable goal for the country.”