President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared that no religious scripture supports the taking of human life or engagement in criminal violence, as he led the Eid-el-Kabir congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos State.
The President made the remarks during the special prayer session, using the occasion to call on Nigerians to reject banditry, ethnic hatred, discrimination and all forms of violence threatening national unity.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Eid-el-Kabir as a profound reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
He emphasised that the teachings of Islam and other holy scriptures place supreme value on human life and do not condone criminality in any form.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life,” the President said.
“The sacrifice we speak of… teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal. That is the value placed on human life,” he added.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to reflect on the spiritual significance of the festival and extend kindness, generosity and compassion to one another, especially the less privileged.
“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,” he said.
The President further stressed the importance of unity in diversity, noting that Nigeria’s strength lies in its people’s shared humanity rather than ethnic, religious or political differences.
“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 stated.
Tinubu also called for greater tolerance and obedience to both divine guidance and the rule of law, which he said must remain the foundation of a peaceful and orderly society.
“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,” Tinubu added.
In his remarks, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah, promote unity and embrace the virtues of sacrifice and generosity as taught in the Holy Quran. He also offered prayers for the President’s continued health, wisdom and success in office.
The Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks were attended by several top government officials and dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
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