• President hosts monarchs, religious leaders

Refrain from condemning and cursing Nigeria in your sermons, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told clerics yesterday.

He urged them to tell their congregations Nigeria is the only country they have, a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said.

Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with monarchs and religious leaders at the State House in Abuja, the President emphasised the important role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

The President also urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of holders of elective positions.

He restated  his administration’s determination to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity.

Pointing out that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians , he called on the  traditional and religious leaders to  support   the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping  and other forms of criminality in the country.

His words: ‘”Yesterday (Wednesday) in Abuja, I attended the burial of 17 officers and men  of the Nigerian Army  killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.  

“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,   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.”

On the  challenges facing the nation , the President said   there is no nation across the world today that is free.

He, however, assured them that if the nation works together as one, the current challenges will be gone and the desired nation will be achieved.

The President added: “We are challenged, that is true, no nation that is not currently challenged, one way or the other, but it is with God-given talents and resolve of all of us to say that we will overcome the challenges and turn it to prosperity. By the grace of God we will, we will turn it around. There’s a very bright light at the end of the tunnel.

“I believe it also that somewhere in the eye of the storm, is some corner of calmness and joy for those who will serve with faith and determination.

“We’ve seen the challenges of insecurity, yes many nations go through it. Some of those prosperous nations today, if they look back, they will find in history of their nations, blood on their snow. They fought battles to be what they are.

“Maybe our beautiful weather, our rich land, our loving parents have spoiled us. They didn’t wean us early enough from breast feeding, so every minute we have to cry of hunger. We didn’t forget our childhood. But we will believe in the prosperity and the love and care of that woman, the mother, Nigeria.

“So, I’m with you, no matter the degree of the lamentation, my own is don’t give up. As long as we are determined to change our country, it is our own to change. Nobody, all these America, Britain France and others, they can’t love us better than ourselves.

“We can drive on good roads like they have in their infrastructure, we can have first class education. We give you the assurance, as a government that you will be our priority, but not because of you, but because of your children. Who do we hand over to”, he said. 

The President, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that the anniversary of his birthday today falls on  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,” the President prayed.

Different speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the President and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasised the pivotal roles of religious and traditional rulers in promoting peace and unity, urging them to continue to “build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.”

Shettima  expressed delight that the nation’s economy was on a rebound, noting the strengthening of the naira against the dollar.

“The President means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.

“‘For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner,” the vice president said.

   Ooni of Ife  Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who spoke for the monarchs,  assured the President of the unwavering support of traditional rulers.

He commended  government’s efforts to address the hike in food prices and the security challenges.

“You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision to the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni said. 

Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, who spoke  on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, NSCIA, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed optimism that the country would  return to peace and stability.

He was represented by the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.

The emir said: “I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,”  he said.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of   Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

Fatokun, who represented CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Tinubu for fostering a harmonious relationship between the state and the church.