President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed that he holds no religious bias and is not a bigot.
Speaking to a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Tinubu emphasized that for Nigeria to progress, it must rise above religious divisions.
His remarks came as his administration dismissed allegations from the United States that Christians in Nigeria were being deliberately targeted and killed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the report as misleading and inaccurate.
Economic Reforms Necessary for Nigeria’s Future
During the meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the economic hardships Nigerians are facing but defended his administration’s ongoing reforms, stating they are essential for long-term stability.
“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country,” he said.
He further explained: “We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; we were spending their rights. Poverty has no religious basis. There’s no religious colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together.”
Security Challenges Affect Everyone
Tinubu stressed that his government was making progress in addressing insecurity, which he noted affects both Christians and Muslims.
“This insecurity, everyone is affected—Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church. But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here, open to you, ready to listen.”
He assured the bishops of his open-door policy, saying: “We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door.”
Mission Schools and State Jurisdiction
Responding to the bishops’ request to return mission schools taken over by the government, Tinubu clarified that such decisions fall under the authority of state governments.
He recalled that during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, he had returned mission schools to their original owners.
CBCN’s Recommendations
The delegation, led by Dr. Lucius Ugorji, congratulated Tinubu on his election while acknowledging the challenges posed by his economic policies.
Ugorgi urged the government to restore public confidence, improve security, and foster religious harmony.
“Your government’s policy mantra is anchored on the principles of Renewed Hope. In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has declared this year as the Year of Hope, the Jubilee Year of Hope, a theme we adopted for our conference. We came with the final fruits of our deliberations and will share them with you,” said Ugorji, who also serves as CBCN President and Archbishop of Owerri.
The bishops further urged the government to stop funding religious pilgrimages, stating that public funds should be allocated to more pressing national needs.
“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages. In their current structure, the national and state pilgrims’ boards serve neither their adherents nor the broader interest of the nation. You’re undoubtedly aware of the instances of corruption that have led to the removal of some board executives to ensure greater efficiency and accountability,” Ugorji noted.
