President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders to intensify their efforts in speaking against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the use of religion as a justification for violence.
The Punch reported that Tinubu made the appeal on Sunday in Kano during the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
His message was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
According to a statement issued by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the President stressed the importance of religious leaders in addressing violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith.
He urged religious institutions and their networks to expand their advocacy for peace education, religious understanding, scholarship and the moral upbringing of young Nigerians.
Tinubu also encouraged clerics to use their influence to promote justice, compassion, responsibility and peaceful approaches to resolving grievances.
The President said, “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 the Maulud was being held amid a series of global challenges, including conflicts, uncertainty, climate and food crises, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime and the manipulation of religious and ethnic identities.
Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Tinubu noted that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced across the world by the end of 2025.
He said the magnitude of these challenges had increased the importance of spiritual leaders, whom he described as people capable of healing divisions, resolving grievances and addressing hatred and bitterness.
According to him, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” through their influence and ability to promote peace and reconciliation.
Tinubu specifically highlighted the Tijjaniyya community’s extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, urging it to deploy its influence towards reconciliation, countering violent extremism, guiding youths and supporting humanitarian efforts.
He said the Federal Government valued the contributions of religious and traditional leaders to promoting tolerance, combating misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He noted that Nigeria’s strategic location at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region made the country’s stability important beyond its borders.
“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.
Tinubu said such partnerships should be built around truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for human life.
He assured that his administration would continue to protect freedom of worship while deepening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national unity.
The President welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and other dignitaries who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud.
He described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition had developed strong roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.
Tinubu also honoured the memory of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation contributed significantly to the organisation of the Maulud.
He described the 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.”
The President said preserving Sheikh Dahiru’s legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for education, peaceful coexistence and concern for society would represent the lasting tribute to the late scholar.
He commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency agencies, organisers and volunteers for their roles in the event.
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.”
The President’s appeal comes amid renewed discussions about the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s governance and political affairs.
On July 28, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, met with Tinubu and expressed concerns about the nation’s security and economic situation.
After the meeting, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, said some individuals close to the President were giving him a “rosy picture” of the country’s situation.
Onaiyekan also alleged that the government appeared determined to win future elections “by all means.”
His comments generated controversy, with some Presidency and Federal Government officials accusing the cleric of engaging in partisan politics.
