President Urges Spiritual Leaders to Counter Extremism and Promote Peace Across Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to speak out consistently against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and the manipulation of faith to justify violence.
The President made the appeal on Sunday in Kano during a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud celebration of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
In a statement by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu emphasized that religious leaders play a crucial role in confronting violence, extremism, and the destructive manipulation of faith.
He urged religious institutions to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship, and the moral development of young people, while also promoting justice, responsibility, compassion, and the peaceful resolution of grievances.
“Your Voices Must Be Raised Consistently”
The statement read in part:
“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.”
Global Crises Demand Spiritual Intervention
Tinubu noted that the gathering comes at a time when societies worldwide face conflicts, uncertainty, climate and food shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes, and the manipulation of identity and religion.
Citing a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report, the President said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by the end of 2025, underscoring the urgent need for spiritual leaders to intervene as “guardians of the frontiers of conscience.”
He praised the Tijjaniyya community for its extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa, and beyond, urging them to deploy their influence toward reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance, and humanitarian support.
Nigeria’s Strategic Role in Regional Stability
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration, and dialogue.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” Tinubu said, highlighting Nigeria’s strategic position at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea, and the wider Atlantic.
He noted that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, could serve as valuable partners in building social peace that complements government and regional institution efforts.
Tributes to Late Islamic Scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi
Tinubu paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died in November 2025, describing him 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, and peaceful coexistence would be the most enduring tribute to him.
Government Committed to Religious Freedom
Tinubu 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.
He welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders, and guests from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and other countries, noting that Nigeria is honoured by their presence.
“May Almighty Allah accept the prayers and acts of devotion offered at this Maulud,” the President concluded.
Context: Renewed Debate on Clerics’ Role in Governance
The President’s call comes amid renewed debate over the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s political and governance affairs.
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.
Following that meeting, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, warned that some people around the President were presenting a “rosy picture” of the situation and that the government appeared determined to win future elections “by all means.”
The remarks triggered public debate over religious leaders’ involvement in governance, with some Presidency and Federal Government officials accusing the cleric of partisanship.
