President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to consistently speak against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
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, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
The President said religious leaders have an important role to play in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
According to a statement by the President’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.
He also called on clerics to use their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances.
“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 further urged religious leaders to remind political leaders of their responsibilities while encouraging citizens to pursue legitimate grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
President Warns Against Misusing Religion
The President said genuine religious devotion could not be used to justify attacks on innocent people.
He urged spiritual leaders to continue teaching respect for the sanctity of human life and to promote values that discourage violence and extremism.
According to Tinubu, religious institutions can help address hatred and bitterness by promoting truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint and service.
Tinubu Highlights Global Security Challenges
The President said the Maulud was taking place against the backdrop of conflicts, uncertainty, climate and food shocks, violent extremism, terrorism and transnational crimes across the world.
He also cited a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report which, according to him, put the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide at 117.8 million at the end of 2025.
Tinubu said the scale of these challenges made the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly important.
He described religious leaders as guardians of conscience because of their ability to help heal wounds, resolve grievances and address deep-seated hatred.
President Seeks Tijjaniyya Support Against Extremism
Tinubu said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, could play a greater role in reconciliation and countering violent extremism.
He also identified youth guidance and humanitarian support as areas where the community could contribute.
The President said the Federal Government recognised the contribution of religious and traditional leaders to promoting tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and fostering peaceful coexistence.
Nigeria’s Peace Has Regional Implications
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He said 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 means that instability in the country could have consequences beyond its borders.
The President said religious communities with strong transnational connections could therefore complement government and regional institutions in building social peace.
Tinubu Reaffirms Freedom of Worship
The President assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to uphold freedom of worship.
He said the government would also strengthen collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
Tinubu 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.
He described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition has established deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service and peaceful community life.
Tinubu Pays Tribute to Late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi
The President also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who played a significant role in organising the Maulud.
Sheikh Dahiru died in November 2025.
Tinubu described him as a teacher, father and voice of moderation and reason who advocated peace and piety.
The President said preserving his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion, peaceful coexistence and concern for society would be an enduring tribute to the late scholar.
Maulud Organisers Commended
Tinubu commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the event.
He also expressed appreciation to the international guests who attended the gathering and prayed for their safe return.
Tinubu’s Call Comes Amid Debate Over Clerics’ Role
The President’s call comes amid wider discussions about the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s security, governance and political affairs.
On July 28, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, met with Tinubu and raised concerns about the country’s security and economic challenges.
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, subsequently criticised what he described as an overly positive presentation of the country’s situation by some people around the President.
His comments triggered further debate about the role of religious leaders in governance and politics, with some government and Presidency officials accusing the cleric of partisanship.
Against this backdrop, Tinubu’s latest appeal places renewed emphasis on the potential role of religious institutions in promoting peace, countering extremism and strengthening national cohesion.
