Don’t curse Nigeria in your sermons, Tinubu urges religious leaders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to religious leaders not to curse Nigeria in their sermons rather they should pray for the nation to witness growth and prosperity.

Tinubu made this call during the Ramadan Iftar gathering with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

The President also emphasized the important roles religious leaders play in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions while declaring that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity.

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

He urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the federal government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country.

“Yesterday (On Wednesday) 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,” lamented Tinubu.

“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.

“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.”

The President acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him at the Ramadan Iftar gathering but reminded the leaders that his birthday on 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,” prayed the President.