Tinubu to religious leaders: lead battle against justice, fairness

• Published date: 24 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged leaders of all faiths in the country to champion the cause of justice in order to deepen national unity and advance democracy ahead of the February 25 election.

He also cautioned them to avoid the ploy by some politicians to play up religious sentiments over administrative competence ahead of the poll.

The APC standard bearer spoke on Sunday night at a town hall meeting with Muslim leaders from the Northeast in continuation of his interactions with critical stakeholders across the country and as part of activities for his campaign tour of Bauchi State.

The former Lagos State governor explained that 'our scriptures demand justice of us as believers. May we always honour that demand'.

He added: 'That principle of fairness and justice also requires that leadership of society should be based on the quality of one's ideas, character and accomplishments, rather than on traits unrelated to the ability to lead and govern justly, honestly.

'The recorded history of our faith shows how our Noble Prophet led a pluralistic community. He did not confer a special advantage on his tribe or clan.

'In many instances, he placed others ahead of his relatives. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has set a golden example for us.'

In a statement by his media office, Asiwaju Tinubu enjoined leaders of faiths to act as pillars of unity, rather than agents of division.

'Afraid they cannot win fairly at the ballot, desperate politicians are bent on recruiting otherwise eminent persons to preach hatred and discord. They want servants of God, like yourselves, to turn against your convictions. They want you to preach division and stir negative sentiments.

'Please, resist these evil doers and their unholy messages. They seek to enter the office by fouling the nation. Too much is at stake to allow such tricks to succeed.

'My request is a simple and fair one: please, focus on a candidate's record of performance and the quality of his policies,' he...