Don’t condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu urges clerics

President Bola Tinubu has asked religious leaders to stop the defamatory remarks about Nigeria in their sermons.

Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Abuja, the president indicated the significant role they play in shaping the public.

Tinubu called on the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of government appointees, adding that his administration is determined to change the country for better.

He further charged the religious leaders to collaborate with the government in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminality ravaging the country.

He said;

"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 acknowledged the birthday well wishes and reminded the leaders that his birthday on March 29 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 said.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on his part, stressed the need for religious and traditional rulers to promote peace as he charged them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.’’

Shettima also expressed joy that the 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.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers declared unwavering support to the President and applauded the government’s effort in addressing the hike in food prices and its fights against insecurity in the country.

"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, the Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said; ‘’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 said.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), hailed Tinubu for promoting 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,’’ he said.

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