The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, delivers President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message at the grand Maulud celebration of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijjani (RTA) in Kano today.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious scholars in Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world to continue using their voices to fight terrorism, kidnapping and the use of religion to cause killings and violence.
The President said no genuine act of worship could be acceptable if it involved shedding the blood of innocent people who had done no wrong.
Tinubu made the call in Kano on Sunday in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the grand Maulud celebration of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijjani (RTA).
He said religious scholars had an important role to play in educating young people, teaching peace, religious knowledge and good morals, while also calling on political leaders to govern with justice and compassion.
The President said the challenges facing the world, including wars, economic hardship, hunger, terrorism and conflicts instigated in the name of religion or ethnicity, had further underscored the important role religious leaders could play in promoting peace.
According to him, the Tijjaniyya order, given the breadth of its networks across West and North Africa, has a significant opportunity to help resolve conflicts, combat extremism and guide young people towards good morals and purity of heart.
Tinubu described Nigeria as a country of great importance to regional peace because of its position among West Africa, the Sahel region, the Lake Chad area and the Gulf of Guinea.
He affirmed that the Federal Government would continue to protect the right of Nigerians to practise their religion, while strengthening cooperation with religious scholars and traditional rulers to ensure peace, unity and mutual respect.
The President also expressed condolences over the death of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, saying his absence had been deeply felt at the gathering.
Tinubu described the deceased as a scholar, father and advocate of peace and mutual understanding.
He said the best way to honour the Sheikh was to continue to preserve and pass on the Qur’anic knowledge he left behind, while promoting good morals, worship of God, peace and the welfare of the community he left behind.
