President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating Nigeria in their sermons.

Tinubu, who urged the religious leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions, declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity.

The president said this during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

He emphasised the important role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens, urging traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country.

Tinubu further reiterated that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens.

President Tinubu said: “Yesterday in Abuja, I attended the burial of the 17 soldiers killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.

“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.

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“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, do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for changes.

“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.”

Tinubu, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that his birthday on Friday, March 29, coincided with Good Friday.

“I have earned the honour of having my birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your homes safely. May God guide and keep you and your families in good health, and lift your spirits,” he added.

Different speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the president and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.

The Star