President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said nowhere in any holy teaching does scripture sanction the taking of human life or engagement in criminal violence.
He stated this when he performed the Eid-el-Kabir congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the occasion as a profound reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
He also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to shun banditry, ethnic hatred and discrimination.
“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 urged citizens to draw from the lessons of the season and extend generosity and kindness to one another.
Tinubu said, “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.
“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.”
Tinubu argued that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and common humanity, noting that no ethnic, religious or political difference should outweigh the collective aspiration for peace, progress and national development.
He urged citizens to support the less privileged and place greater value on the sanctity of life.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, called on Muslims to fear Allah and promote unity, generosity and sacrifice in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran.
He prayed for the President’s continued good health and wisdom, and commended the sacrifices of Nigeria’s past leaders who helped build a united nation.
Among those who joined the President at the Dodan Barracks prayers were 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.