“Speak out against terrorism, banditry” — Tinubu tells religious leaders

President Bola Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to consistently speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.

President 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, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.

According to a statement by Mr. Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the President recognised the crucial role religious leaders could play in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith to justify destructive acts.

Mr. Tinubu urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.

He also called on religious leaders to use their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and the peaceful resolution of grievances.

Tinubu urges clerics to condemn violence

Mr. Tinubu said religious leaders must consistently condemn attacks against innocent Nigerians and reject the use of religion as a justification for violence.

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.”

He added that religious institutions should strengthen efforts to promote peace education and develop young people with strong moral values.

“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.”

Mr. Tinubu further stressed the sanctity of human life, saying:

“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 increase role of spiritual leaders

Mr. Tinubu said the Maulud was taking place at a time when communities around the world were facing armed conflicts, uncertainty, climate and food shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime and the manipulation of identity and religion.

Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025.

He argued that the scale of these challenges had made spiritual leaders increasingly important in promoting peace and social stability.

According to Mr. Tinubu, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” through their ability to heal wounds, resolve grievances and address deep-seated hatred and bitterness.

Tijjaniyya urged to promote peace

Mr. Tinubu said the Tijjaniyya community, with extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, could deploy its influence towards reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian support.

He said the Federal Government recognised the contributions of religious and traditional leaders to promoting tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and fostering peaceful coexistence.

The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.

Mr. Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s strategic position at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region meant that developments in the country had implications 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.

He said such partnerships should promote truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life.

Tinubu reaffirms freedom of worship

Mr. Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to uphold freedom of worship while strengthening cooperation with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.

The President welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and other guests who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries to attend the Maulud.

He described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition had established deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.

Tinubu honours late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

Mr. Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a significant role in organising the Maulud.

The Islamic scholar, who died in November 2025, was described by Mr. Tinubu 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 Usman Bauchi’s legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for society would be the most enduring tribute to him.

He commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Kano State Government, scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the event.

Mr. 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.”

Call comes amid debate over 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 Mr. Tinubu and raised concerns about the country’s security and economic challenges.

Speaking after the meeting, former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said some people around the President were presenting a “rosy picture” of the situation in the country.

Cardinal Onaiyekan also warned that the government appeared determined to win future elections “by all means.”

His comments triggered public debate over the role of religious leaders in governance and politics, with some members of the Presidency and Federal Government accusing the cleric of partisanship.

The latest appeal by Mr. Tinubu therefore places renewed emphasis on the potential role of religious institutions not only in condemning insecurity, but also in promoting peace, accountability, tolerance and national cohesion.