Religious and spiritual leaders have been urged by President Bola Tinubu to denounce terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and the abuse of religion as an excuse for violence.
The call was made on Sunday at Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani’s Grand Maulud in Kano by the president, who was represented by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.
According to Tinubu, religious leaders must play a critical role in combating extremism, violence, and the negative exploitation of faith.
He tasked religious organisations and networks with stepping up their support for research, religious literacy, peace education, and youth moral development.
He contends that religious leaders ought to use their power to advance responsibility, fairness, compassion, and the amicable settlement of disputes.
“You must constantly speak out against the killing of innocent people, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and the abuse of religion as an excuse for brutality.
“Your organisations and networks need to strengthen their support for scholarship, religious literacy, peace education, and the development of moral youth.
Along with reminding citizens that justifiable complaints should never be used as justification for violence or lawlessness, you must also remind political leaders of justice, accountability, and compassion.
The President stated, “Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no true service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred.”