Tinubu, Hamzat Condemn Banditry, Urge Respect For Human Life

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on Wednesday stressed that criminality, violence, and banditry have no place in religious teachings or moral values, maintaining that respect for God and obedience to the law are fundamental to addressing insecurity and safeguarding lives.

The duo, who spoke after the Eid-el-Kabir prayer at the Dodan Barracks praying ground in Ikoyi, Lagos, called on Nigerians to embrace the values of love, tolerance, generosity, and obedience to the rule of law as essential principles for peaceful coexistence and national development.

According to the President, “Eid-el-Kabir offers a profound reminder of the values of compassion, sacrifice, and humanity, which should inspire Nigerians to treat one another with kindness and dignity. We should share love and be generous to one another. That is the way we reflect the values of our country and our common humanity. We must remain tolerant, obedient to the will of Allah, and obedient to the rule of law, which must guide our society.”

While addressing the issue of insecurity in the country, the President stressed that criminality, violence, and banditry have no place in religious teachings or moral values, maintaining that respect for God and obedience to the law are fundamental to addressing insecurity and safeguarding lives.

In his words, “Nowhere in the holy teachings are we instructed to engage in banditry or to kill another human being. Respect for life and obedience to the law are central to our faith and to peaceful living,” he stated.

Corroborating the President, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, also called on citizens to embrace patience, peaceful coexistence, and strict adherence to the rule of law, stressing the importance of godliness and mutual respect in fostering a harmonious society.

Hamzat urged citizens to remain tolerant and considerate towards one another, noting that peace and unity are essential for sustainable development and social stability.

“We must be patient with each other, obedient to the rule of law, and fear God. To fear God means you do not kill another human being, and you do not hurt another human being. Therefore, we must live in peace and harmony,” he said.

The Deputy Governor further emphasised the need for residents to uphold values that promote understanding, compassion, and communal living, especially during religious celebrations.

He also charged parents and guardians to take deliberate responsibility for raising children with strong moral values, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards others, emphasising that the lessons of the season go beyond celebration and should inspire families to nurture children who are selfless, respectful, and mindful of the impact of their actions on their families and society at large.

According to him, “Our children should be taught to consider how their conduct reflects on their family name, friendships, and the wider community. Parents and guardians, therefore, play a vital role in building a peaceful society by instilling values of love, empathy, and obedience to lawful authority in the younger generation.”

The Deputy Governor added that the decline of peace and compassion in society has contributed to insecurity and violence, expressing hope and prayers that Nigerians would collectively reject hatred and embrace the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, urged Nigeria, especially Muslims, to shun all acts of indiscipline, violence, and terrorism in the country to ensure a peaceful presence, progress, and development in the nation.

He noted that the essence of Islam is love, compassion, and peaceful coexistence, admonishing citizens to be more passionate about the development of their country and states, highlighting that violence is widespread across the country and that everyone needs to be passionate about the betterment of all.