Daud Olatunji
President Bola Tinubu has warned religious leaders across Nigeria and Africa against allowing religion to be manipulated to justify terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the killing of innocent people.
Tinubu said no genuine service to Allah could be advanced through the destruction of human lives, urging Muslim and Christian leaders to use their influence to promote peace, justice, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances.
The President spoke on Sunday in Kano at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA, where his message was delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, Tinubu charged religious institutions to take a more active role in confronting violence and the misuse of faith.
He 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.”
The President also urged religious institutions and networks to intensify advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral upbringing of young people.
According to him, religious leaders should also remind political leaders of their obligations to justice, responsibility and compassion, while educating citizens that legitimate grievances must not be used as justification 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,” Tinubu said.
The President said the gathering was taking place at a critical period when countries around the world were facing conflicts, uncertainty, climate shocks, food and energy crises, violent extremism and transnational crimes.
He also warned about the increasing manipulation of religious and ethnic identities to deepen division and conflict.
Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced globally by the end of 2025, describing the figure as a reflection of the scale of the humanitarian and security challenges confronting the world.
He said religious leaders, because of their influence over communities, had a critical role to play in preventing conflicts, healing wounds and rebuilding trust.
Tinubu described spiritual leaders as “guardians of the frontiers of conscience,” saying they possessed the moral authority to help resolve grievances and reduce hatred and bitterness in society.
The President particularly highlighted the Tijjaniyya Order’s extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, saying the networks could be deployed for reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian assistance.
He said the Federal Government recognised the contributions of religious and traditional leaders to grassroots peacebuilding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Tinubu further urged religious leaders to help combat misinformation and identity-based divisions that could fuel violence.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, stressing that the country’s strategic position made its stability important to the wider African region.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” the President said.
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