Religious leaders have been urged by President Bola Tinubu not to discredit or mock the country in their sermons.

At the State House in Abuja on Thursday during Ramadan Iftar, Tinubu made this statement in the presence of traditional rulers and religious leaders.

The President emphasized how important religious leaders are in influencing public opinion and creating a feeling of national cohesion.

He advised the leaders to criticize those holding political office in a more constructive way, stressing that his administration was committed to transforming Nigeria’s difficulties into prosperity.

In order to combat terrorism, banditry, abduction, and other types of criminality in the nation, he asked traditional and religious leaders to establish a close relationship with the government.

‘’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.”

Reminding the leaders that his birthday fell on Good Friday, March 29, the President expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes and well wishes that were sent his way on this special day.

‘’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 said.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima also spoke, stressing the importance of religious and traditional leaders in fostering harmony and peace and calling on them to keep “building bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.”

The vice president noted the rise of the naira versus the dollar and expressed happiness at the country’s economic recovery.

‘’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.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, spoke on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria and gave the President assurances about the unwavering support of traditional rulers.

Ogunwusi applauded the government’s initiatives in tackling the issues of rising food costs and security.

‘’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.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, emphasized the importance of Ramadan as a time for introspection, compassion, and solidarity.

Bamalli, who spoke on behalf of the President General of the NSCIA and the Sultan of Sokoto, expressed hope that the nation will reestablish peace and stability in regards to the security situation.

‘’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,’’ the Emir said.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) general secretary, apostle Samson Fatokun, pointed out that Maundy Thursday fell on the same day as the Ramadan dinner with traditional and religious leaders.

It is the Thursday before Easter, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and is celebrated in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

In his speech on behalf of CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Fatokun praised Tinubu for promoting a cordial connection between the government and the church.

“We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

‘’We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,’’ he said.