*** Emphasizes Need for Collective Effort to Reposition Nigeria.
By Ebiere Kekeboro
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Catholic bishops that his administration understands the concerns of Nigerians, particularly regarding the current economic reforms. Speaking at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of building a resilient country that guarantees a bright future for generations to come.
“We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; We were spending their rights, and poverty has no religious basis,” President Tinubu said. “There’s no religious coloration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together”.
The President acknowledged the difficulties posed by the removal of fuel subsidies but stressed that it was a necessary step towards building a stronger nation. He commended the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for their commitment to education and healthcare.
President Tinubu also highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve security, citing the success of security agencies in curtailing insecurity. “This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike,” he said. “I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church”.
The President expressed his commitment to listening to the concerns of religious leaders, stating, “We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door” ¹. He thanked the bishops for their prayers, noting that the country is witnessing a better deal and newfound optimism.
Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and CBCN President, commended President Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the country. He acknowledged the impact of the fuel subsidy removal but expressed support for the tax reform initiative, which he believed would generate more resources for the common good.
The CBCN President emphasized the need for a well-defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and patriotic unity. He urged the government to allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organizing pilgrimages, citing instances of corruption in the current system.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed recalled his attendance at the Charismatic Bishop Conference in 2024, stressing the need for national unity and support for the government. He noted that security had improved significantly, citing the ease of travel from Abuja to Kaduna.
Mohammed announced that the national value charter, championed by President Tinubu in his 2025 New Year message, would soon be launched. The charter aims to reclaim lost values and promote national unity.
The National Orientation Agency is working to ensure that both religions teach the Bible and the Quran in schools, as well as the return of civic education. The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, also attended the event.
President Tinubu’s administration has been working to address the country’s economic challenges, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the implementation of tax reforms. The government has emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a stronger nation.
The meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic bishops marks a significant step towards fostering greater collaboration between the government and religious leaders. As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic challenges, the importance of unity and collective effort remains paramount.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s reassurance to the Catholic bishops underscores his administration’s commitment to building a resilient nation that guarantees a bright future for all Nigerians.