President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the recent meeting with the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerians, and emphasised the need for collective effort to build a stronger nation. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the economic reform, specifically the removal of the fuel subsidy, but stressed that it was a necessary step to ensure a resilient country and a brighter future for generations to come, through a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
He emphasised that poverty affects everyone, regardless of religion, and called for a united front to combat it. President Tinubu highlighted the importance of citizens and leaders investing in the nation to build a strong society. The President stressed that the tax reform presents a good investment opportunity for citizens to build their nation as he commended the Catholic body’s commitment to education and healthcare, and promised to look into ways to support students of private institutions. President Tinubu noted that security agencies are making progress in curtailing insecurity, and emphasised that everyone is affected by it, regardless of religion.
The statement read in part, “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. “We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; We were spending their rights, and poverty has no religious basis. There’s no religious colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together,” the President emphasised. On the request to return mission schools that governments have taken over, President Tinubu said schools are subnational entities, not owned by the Federal Government. “I’ve been a good example as the governor of Lagos state. I returned all the mission schools”.
He added that he set up NELFUND to ensure that no student dropped out of school due to a lack of funds for tuition fees. He promised to look at ways to help students of private institutions that NELFUND does not cover. President Tinubu noted that the security agencies were already curtailing the nation’s insecurity, stressing that adherents of all religions felt the impact of the efforts. “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 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. “We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door.” The President thanked religious leaders for their prayers, as the country is already witnessing a better deal and a newfound optimism. He highlighted the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.
“There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that. What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not half-time yet. I’m happy to see this period alive and healthy, and I am thankful to all of you for your prayers.” The Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the country, while also sharing concerns on various national issues.
Led by Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and CBCN President, the delegation of 20 bishops from across the country congratulated President Tinubu on his victory and acknowledged the challenges posed by the economic reform, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. The CBCN President highlighted the significance of the Jubilee Year of Hope, declared by Pope Francis, which aligns with President Tinubu’s policy mantra of Renewed Hope.
The bishops urged for more concerted efforts to “rekindle hope and inspire confidence in the hearts of our people.” The bishops addressed several key concerns, including religion and national unity, religious pilgrimages and redirecting public funds. They called for a well-defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and patriotic unity, ensuring that religious practice fosters unity rather than division. The bishops proposed that the government should hands-off sponsorship to curtail waste and corruption, allowing religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages.
And suggested redirecting public funds towards pressing national needs. Idris Mohammed, Minister of Information and National Orientation, acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by the economic reform but underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring a better future for Nigerians. He highlighted the improved security situation, citing the ease of travel from Abuja to Kaduna, and the government’s efforts to reclaim lost values through the national value charter ¹. The meeting between the Catholic bishops and President Tinubu marked a significant step towards fostering a sense of unity and cooperation in addressing the nation’s challenges.
