President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to pardon him if he has wronged them, calling for unity, peace, and moral reflection as Muslims commence Ramadan.
The president made the appeal on Wednesday at the opening of this year’s Tafsir held at the State House mosque in Abuja. He noted that the fasting period aligns with the Christian observance of Lent, describing it as a symbol of shared spiritual values.
“Ramadan coincides with Lent, reminding us of our common commitment to sacrifice, discipline, prayer, and self-denial,” he said.
“We start this Ramadan with all the teaching that it brings to us all. But the main principle is to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins. I say, if I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians.”
Tinubu emphasised that fasting should not be limited to abstaining from food but should reflect compassion, forgiveness, righteous acts, and love for others. He encouraged citizens of all faiths to pray for national peace and to back efforts aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry, and insecurity.
The chief Imam of the State House mosque, Abdulwahid Suleiman, expressed gratitude to Allah for allowing Muslims to witness another Ramadan. He commended the president’s leadership and offered prayers for wisdom, good health, and strength for Tinubu and his team, while also seeking peace, stability, and prosperity for the country.