President Bola Tinubu has stated that no religious scripture endorses the taking of human life or engagement in criminal violence, stressing that all holy teachings promote peace and respect for humanity.
He made the remarks on Wednesday after attending the Eid-el-Kabir congregational prayers held at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Eid-el-Kabir as a significant period that reflects obedience, sacrifice, compassion, and total submission to the will of Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
Tinubu used the occasion to urge Nigerians to reject banditry, ethnic division, and all forms of discrimination, insisting that such actions have no basis in any divine teaching.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life.
“The sacrifice we speak of, even from the beginning of life, where we take these lessons, teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal.
“That is the value placed on human life,” the President said after the prayers.
He further encouraged citizens to embrace kindness, generosity, and unity, noting that the lessons of Eid should strengthen national cohesion.
“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir. We thank Him for His mercy, and we must learn from this season’s lessons, showing love to one another.
READ ALSO: Religious Freedom: Tinubu Govt Covering Christian Killings — Perkins
“No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred. We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and humanity.”
He added, “It is essential that we should be very tolerant and obedient to the wishes of Allah and the rule of law, which must guide our society.”
The President also emphasized that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, adding that differences in ethnicity, religion, or politics should never overshadow the nation’s pursuit of peace, progress, and development. He called on citizens to support vulnerable groups and uphold the sanctity of human life.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah and uphold unity, generosity, and sacrifice in line with Islamic teachings.
He also prayed for the President’s continued health and wisdom while commending past leaders for their contributions to national unity.
The Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks were attended by several prominent figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.