President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders to take a stronger stand against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence, saying genuine service to God cannot involve the destruction of innocent lives.
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 (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 followers from Nigeria and other countries, the President said religious leaders have an important role to play in confronting extremism and preventing the manipulation of faith for violent 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.”
Tinubu urged religious institutions to strengthen peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people. He also called on religious leaders to remind political leaders of their responsibilities while encouraging citizens to pursue legitimate grievances through lawful and peaceful means.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu Seeks Stronger Role for Religious Institutions
The President said the Maulud gathering was taking place at a time when the world was facing multiple challenges, including conflicts, climate and food shocks, energy insecurity, terrorism, transnational crime and the dangerous manipulation of religion and identity.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report, Tinubu noted that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, stressing that such challenges made the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly important.
According to the President, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” through their ability to heal wounds, resolve grievances and help communities overcome hatred and bitterness.
He said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, has significant moral influence that could be used to promote reconciliation, counter violent extremism, guide young people and support humanitarian efforts across the Sahel and wider region.
Tinubu said the Federal Government recognised the role of religious and traditional leaders in promoting tolerance, fighting misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
Nigeria’s Regional Role
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He noted that Nigeria’s strategic position connecting West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region means that the country’s peace and stability have consequences beyond its borders.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He said such partnerships should draw on the positive values promoted by religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life.
Tinubu also described Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity as one of the country’s greatest strengths and assured citizens that the Federal Government would continue to protect freedom of worship while working with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, tolerance and national unity.
Tinubu Honours Late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi
The President welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars and other visitors who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud.
He noted the deep roots of the Tijjaniyya tradition in Nigeria, particularly its contributions to scholarship, remembrance, moral instruction, community service and peaceful coexistence.
Tinubu also recalled his recent reception of a high-level delegation from the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House in Abuja, where prayers were offered for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity as well as stronger relations between Nigeria and Algeria.
The President paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played an important role in organising the Maulud. He described the late Islamic scholar as a respected teacher and advocate of peace and moderation whose absence was deeply felt at the gathering.
Tinubu recalled describing Sheikh Dahiru 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.”
He said the best way to preserve the late scholar’s legacy would be to continue promoting his commitment to Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for society’s wellbeing.
Source: Presidency.
