By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders to consistently raise their voices against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence and cruelty, stressing that no genuine service to God can be advanced through the destruction of innocent human lives.
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, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, Tinubu said religious leaders have an important responsibility in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty. Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women.
“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission 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,” the President said.
He also urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen their advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral formation of young people, while using their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances.
Tinubu observed that the gathering was taking place at a consequential moment in human history, with societies across the world confronted by conflicts, uncertainty, climate shocks, food and energy shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and the increasingly dangerous manipulation of identity and religion.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR report, he noted that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, stressing that the scale of global challenges makes the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly indispensable.
According to him, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” through their capacity to heal wounds, resolve grievances and dissolve deep-seated hatred and bitterness.
He said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, possesses relationships and moral capital that could be deployed for reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian solidarity across the Sahel, West Africa and the wider world.
The President said the Federal Government recognises the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in deepening tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based division, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, noting that the country’s strategic location at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic world makes its peace and stability consequential to the wider region.
“It also means that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions,” he said.
Tinubu explained that such partnership should mobilise the ethical resources of religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and the sanctity of human life, for the common good.
He described Nigeria’s extraordinary diversity and plurality as among the country’s greatest strengths, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to uphold Nigerians’ freedom to practise their faith while strengthening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
The President also welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and other guests who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud, describing Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition has established deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.
He recalled recently receiving a high-level delegation of the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House, Abuja, where prayers were offered for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria as well as the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.
Tinubu also paid tributes to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a significant role in organising the Maulud, describing him as one of the towering figures whose absence was deeply felt at the gathering.
He recalled describing the late Islamic scholar, following his death in November 2025, as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety.”
According to him, the most enduring monument that could be built in his honour would be the preservation of his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the wellbeing of society.
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