Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has asked Religious leaders in Nigeria to intensify dialogue with Nigerians while strengthening the bond of unity in the country.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made this known to State House Correspondents after the solidarity meeting the Nigerian leader held with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, led by Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll, who is the President General of the Council.
The Minister said that the President also asked the Council to be at the forefront of the national re-orientation, which is one of the pillars of his administration.
He asked the Islamic umbrella body to return to areas of conflict across Nigeria and specifically Niger to meditate towards the restoration of peace in the areas.
The President re-affirmed his belief in the potency of dialogue saying that only dialogue and further engagement can end crises across the World.
“The Islamic affairs decided to pay the solidarity visit to Mr. President. They came to offer him some advice on the happenings in the country.
“They have also solicited for his cooperation and to ensure that the unity of Nigeria continues to be maintained, Mr President, on his part has thanked them.
“He has accepted all the words of advice they’ve offered him. He has also asked them to continue to engage to continue to dialogue.
“And Mr President has also asked them to be in the forefront of the national reorientation, which is one of the pillars of his administration.”
The Minister further stated that President Bola Tinubu consistently acknowledges the socio-economic reality in the country.
On Gabon Coup
Speaking on the Coup in Gabon, the Minister confirmed that the President had a telephone conversation with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on Wednesday.
He mentioned that the President is a Democrat who believes that changes in democratic government should only come through constitutional means.
“On Gabon, we know the President had a conversation with Prime Minister Trudeau yesterday.
“Well, the President is always saying that there should be engagement and it is precisely for the reason of Gabon that he has asked that the issue of the year be resolved. If we don’t nip it in the bud, as they say, Gabon and things like that could continue to happen.
“He is a Democrat. He believes that changes can only come through constitutional means, and therefore he has asked him to continue to engage and to tell everybody across the world to respect constitutional order.“
Spokesperson for the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede said that the Council paid the solidarity visit to appreciate the President on his transformative policy.
The Council called for transparent leadership with equality to the benefit of all Nigerians and the country as a whole.
“We are here to pay a courtesy call on Mr President, to appreciate him for what he’s doing for the nation and to also advise him as to what the Nigerian Supreme Council believes should be done to make sure that he continues to rule with transparency with honesty with equality to the benefit of all members of this great country of ours.“
