Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — In a show of spiritual support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a leading Islamic cleric has called on the country’s leader to remain resolute in pursuing his vision for national development, acknowledging that the pressures and criticisms that accompany leadership are inevitable and that no government can satisfy every citizen. The remarks were delivered during Friday Jum’at prayers at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, where President Tinubu joined Muslim faithful to observe the weekly congregational worship.
The sermon, delivered by the visiting Imam Dr. Salahudeen Munirudeen Arriyadhi, focused on themes of unity, diversity, and the responsibilities of leadership. Quoting religious texts, the cleric reminded the President that while leaders are expected to listen attentively to the concerns of their people, they must also guard against discouragement when universal approval proves elusive. “You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” Dr. Arriyadhi told Tinubu, urging him to stay true to his mandate and maintain focus on the goals set for national progress.
Addressing a congregation that included senior political aides and members of the mosque leadership, the Imam emphasised that the diversity of human experiences — including differences in tribe, religion, language, and background — has spiritual significance and should be embraced as a foundation for collective harmony rather than a source of division. He drew on theological principles to highlight that diversity is divinely ordained and can be harnessed as a force for unity, mutual respect, and cultural enrichment.
Dr. Arriyadhi’s message also included a theological reflection on leadership and accountability. Citing passages from the Quran, he noted that divine approval attends leaders who are attentive to the needs of their people, while neglect invites disapproval. He assured President Tinubu of prayers and spiritual support for success in governance, emphasising that the path of leadership — especially in a diverse and populous nation — is fraught with competing expectations and demands.
The sermon was delivered under the theme of Unity in Diversity and Remembering the Day of Judgement, underscoring the need for national cohesion and ethical governance. In encouraging the President to remain steadfast, the Imam tied spiritual resilience to the broader challenges confronting the country, noting that leaders must balance public service with personal conviction and moral fortitude.
President Tinubu, who has been spending the year-end festive season in Lagos after returning on December 20, 2025, was accompanied to the mosque by key members of his administration, including his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. They were received by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and officials from the mosque’s management committee.
The Imam’s appeal to remain focused comes amid a period of intense public discourse on governance, economic reform, and security challenges that have occupied the administration’s agenda. Nigeria’s complex socio-economic landscape has elicited varied public responses, with some voices lauding reform efforts while others point to ongoing hardships and communal tensions. In this context, the call from a religious leader for perseverance reflects an intersection of moral encouragement and civic expectation.
Observers note that faith leaders play a significant role in shaping public sentiment in Nigeria, where religious institutions often serve as platforms for both spiritual guidance and social commentary. Appeals from clergy to political leaders frequently weave together ethical teachings with calls for wise governance, especially during periods of national stress or uncertainty.
The Imam’s message also implicitly addressed the broader principle that leadership in a plural society entails navigating dissent and criticism without losing sight of one’s objectives. By urging Tinubu to remain steadfast, the cleric underscored a belief that resilience and commitment to national service — even in the face of adversity — are integral to enduring leadership.
While the remarks stopped short of engaging in specific policy debates or political controversies, they reflected a broader desire within segments of the religious community for a stable and peaceful Nigeria rooted in mutual respect, spiritual values, and constructive discourse. As the nation continues to grapple with economic, security, and social challenges, voices from faith communities will likely remain influential in framing public expectations and offering moral support to those in positions of authority.
For President Tinubu, the call to embrace steadfastness and recognize the limitations of universal approval serves as both a spiritual encouragement and a reminder of the inherent complexities of governance in Africa’s most populous nation. In urging him to stay focused on his vision, the Imam’s message reaffirmed the intertwined roles of faith, service, and resilience in navigating the responsibilities of leadership.
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