President Bola Tinubu has urged religious leaders to refrain from invoking curses on the nation during their sermons.
The president spoke on Thursday during the breaking of the Ramadan fast with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the presidential villa.
Tinubu emphasized the influential role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering unity in the country.
He encouraged religious leaders to offer constructive criticism of his government, reiterating his administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
The president stressed the importance of praying for the nation and educating children, emphasizing that sermons preached in churches and mosques carry significant weight.
Tinubu cautioned against condemning Nigeria and emphasized the need for leaders to be changed through democratic processes rather than through curses.
“The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important,” he said.
“Do not condemn your own nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say: ‘no matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there’.
“Leave the beads there. This is your country, do not condemn it in sermons, and do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for changes.”
Tinubu said instead of condemning the country, “bad” leaders should be shown the exit during elections.
“Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land,” he said.
In agreement with Tinubu’s sentiments, Kashim Shettima, the vice-president, praised the president’s leadership and his proactive approach to addressing issues such as fuel subsidy, which had been a longstanding challenge.
He said, “The president means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.
”For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The president took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner.”
Representing the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, expressed support for Tinubu’s administration and pledged to collaborate in advancing the nation’s interests.
“You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision for the betterment of our nation,” Ogunwusi said.
Ahmed Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, speaking for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), emphasized the importance of reflection, empathy, and unity during Ramadan.
“I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the president for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,” he said.
Samson Fatokun, the general secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), lauded Tinubu for promoting unity and expressed solidarity with his administration’s efforts to combat kidnapping and banditry.
“We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
”We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,” he said.
KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Abdullahi Usman Bello as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).