Speak out against terrorism, banditry, Tinubu urges clerics

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President Bola Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders to consistently speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.

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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.

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A statement by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said the President recognised the crucial role religious leaders could play in confronting violence, extremism and the misuse of faith to justify destructive acts.

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He urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.

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Tinubu said religious leaders should also use their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and the peaceful resolution of grievances.

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The statement read, “Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.”

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The President said the gathering was taking place at a time when societies around the world were facing conflicts, uncertainty, climate and food shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and the manipulation of identity and religion.

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Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025.

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He said the scale of the challenges confronting the world has made spiritual leaders increasingly important.

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According to him, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” through their ability to heal wounds, resolve grievances and address deep-seated hatred and bitterness.

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Tinubu said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, could deploy its influence towards reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian support.

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He said the Federal Government recognised the roles of religious and traditional leaders in promoting tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and fostering peaceful coexistence.

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The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.

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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 world made the country’s peace and stability important to the region.

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“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria. 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.

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Tinubu said such partnerships should promote the ethical values of truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life.

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He also assured that his administration would continue to uphold freedom of worship while strengthening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.

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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 for the Maulud.

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He described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition had established deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.

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Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a significant role in organising the Maulud.

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He described the late Islamic scholar, who died in November 2025, as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety.”

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The President said preserving Sheikh Dahiru’s legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for society would be the most enduring tribute to him.

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He 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.

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Tinubu added, “Nigeria is honoured by your presence, and we pray that you return to your homes safely, carrying with you the affection and hospitality of the Nigerian people. May Almighty Allah accept the prayers and acts of devotion offered at this Maulud.”

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The call came against the backdrop of renewed debate over the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political and governance affairs.

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On July 28, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, met with Tinubu and raised concerns over the country’s security and economic challenges.

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Speaking after the meeting, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said some people around the President were presenting a “rosy picture” of the situation in the country.

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He also warned that the government appeared determined to win future elections “by all means.”

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The remarks triggered public debate over the role of religious leaders in governance and politics, with some members of the Presidency and the Federal Government accusing the cleric of partisanship.

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