Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Tinubu understands the burden of trust handed to him by the people of Nigeria.
He assured that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, will be protected under the current administration.
The Vice-President spoke in Lagos at the special Maolud Nabiyy celebration organised by Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijaniyya).
The International Day in honour of the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) with the theme, “The Prophetic Solution(s) to the Questions of Humanity” was held under the chairmanship of His Eminence, the Grand Khalifah of Tijjaniyya World-wide, Shiekh Muhammad Mahi Niass (RTA) and Khalifa Muhammad Sunusi II.
Igbo integration into mainstream Nigerian politics has begun – Shettima
Time To End Heritage of Poverty, Destitution In The North – Shettima
Members of the Tijaniyya sect from far and near were in attendance while a special prayer was held for the success of the Tinubu’s administration with the Quran recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.
The Vice-President spoke just as Khalifat Sanusi called on all political leaders to end politics by rallying round the President in discharging the task of governance, saying the present administration took over at a very difficult time.
The Vice-President who acknowledged the continued support of the Tijaniyya sect for the Tinubu’s administration stated that the message of the day resurrects with the President in his promise to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens regardless of ethnicity and promised to ensure that Nigerians practice their religion without fear or discrimination.
He said, “I submit with a high sense of humility that His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the burden of trust handed to him by the good people of Nigeria. This therefore provides an opportunity for all of us to pray for him as well as for all our leaders.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexities of a multicultural world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and through tolerance,” he stated.
He called for accountability in deeds and actions, urging all individuals to uphold the Prophet’s message of fairness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light navigating the complexities of our multicultural world,” VP Shettima said.
He added that the Holy Prophet left behind “a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance.”
He called for reflection and prayer for the President and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractions.
“In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among different religious communities,” he stated.
Khalifat Sanusi who is the leader of Tijaniyyah in Nigeria said, “We are aware that you have taken over this country in a very difficult time, and at this time all Nigerians need to come behind you to end politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.
“Every year on this occasion we try to complete at least 4,444 recitation of the Qur’an, with the sole intention of praying for the peace and stability of our country, for the protection of our leaders and our people.”
Sanusi further disclosed that henceforth the annual celebration which has always been held in Northern states would now be alternated between the North and South.
He stated that this is in the spirit of unity and brotherliness which the Tijaniyyah preaches as members are spread across the North and South.
“The choice of Lagos for me is a bit biased. I came here at the age of 11 and since then I have not left. I have my secondary school right at the backyard here and Lagos has not disappointed,” he said.
Also, the International Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) Worldwide, Sheikh Mohammed Lamin Inyass, stressed the need for unity among the Muslim community, adding that Islam commands all Muslims to honour humanity irrespective of tribe or religion.
According to him, a true Muslim is a brother to his fellow Muslim, irrespective of their sect or whatever understanding.
Dignitaries at the event included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Saiyadi Yahaya Al-Qasim, former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barr. Mukhtar Abdullahi Mohammed; Sheikh Siraj Inyass; Sheikh Maulud Fall Murtania; Sheikh Buba Inyass, Sheikh Tijjani Sani Auwal and Khalifa Danlami Agege.
Others were Sheikh Adenekan Khaliful Khulafa (South West), Alhaji Ibrahim Bayero, Dan Madamin Kano, Sheikh Suleman Almiskinubillah (Mufty of Ilorin), Sheikh Mushri Murtania, Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais, Khalifa Aminubillah Akoshole, Sheikh Nuruddeen Inyass, ankad Sheikh Shehi Maihula, among others.
