***Says faith must never be used to justify violence, urges clerics to promote peace, tolerance

President Bola Tinubu has charged religious leaders across Nigeria, Africa and beyond to intensify their campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the exploitation of religion to justify violence, declaring that no genuine service to God could be advanced through the destruction of innocent lives.

The President also called on religious institutions and networks to deepen peace education, religious literacy and moral instruction for young people, while deploying their influence to promote justice, compassion, responsibility and the peaceful resolution of grievances.

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 (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, the President said religious authorities had a critical role to play in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.

“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” Tinubu said.

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

The President further charged religious leaders to remind political authorities of their obligations to justice, responsibility and compassion, while impressing on citizens that legitimate grievances could never justify 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,” he said.

Tinubu said the appeal had become particularly urgent as societies across the world grappled with armed conflicts, uncertainty, climate, food and energy shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime and the increasingly dangerous manipulation of identity and religion.

Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the President noted that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced globally at the end of 2025, saying the scale of the crisis underscored the need for stronger intervention by spiritual and community leaders.

According to him, religious leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” and possess the capacity to heal wounds, resolve grievances and break cycles of hatred and bitterness.

He particularly highlighted the transnational reach of the Tijjaniyya community across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, saying its extensive spiritual networks and moral influence could be deployed in reconciliation efforts, countering violent extremism, guiding young people and supporting humanitarian initiatives across the Sahel and wider West African region.

“The Federal Government recognises the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in deepening tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based division, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, noting that the country’s strategic position at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region made its stability important beyond its borders.

“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” the President said.

He added that religious communities with deep transnational connections, including the Tijjaniyya, could become valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the efforts of governments and regional institutions.

Tinubu said such collaboration should harness the ethical values promoted by religion, truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life, in the interest of society.

The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting religious freedom, saying Nigeria’s diversity and plurality remained among its greatest strengths.

He assured that the administration would continue to collaborate with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect, national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Welcoming the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order and other delegates who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud, Tinubu said Nigeria had provided fertile ground for the Tijjaniyya tradition to develop deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.

He recalled receiving a high-level delegation of the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House, Abuja, where prayers were offered for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity, as well as for the enduring relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.

The President described the Maulud as an opportunity for reflection, spiritual renewal and recommitment to the teachings of Islam, the love of Prophet Muhammad and the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.

He said the occasion should reinforce the virtues of humility, mercy, wisdom, service and providing comfort to others.

Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a major role in organising the Maulud, describing his absence as deeply felt by the gathering.

The President recalled that, following Sheikh Dahiru’s death in November 2025, he had described the renowned Islamic scholar as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety.”

He said the most enduring tribute to the late cleric would be the preservation of his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the wellbeing of society.

Tinubu 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 successful hosting of the Maulud.

“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,” he said.