President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious leaders across the country to desist from casting aspersions on the nation in their sermons.
This was stated during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, where the President pinpointed the significance of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens through their words.
He called on them to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elected to serve across levels and positions.
He seized the moment to also remind traditional and religious leaders of the need to form a coalition with the government so as to conquer terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in our country as no terrorist can be victorious over the collective will of the populace, no matter how hard they try to prey on Nigerians.
”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,” he said.
”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 change.
”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.
Speaking further, he said ”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,” the President prayed.
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