President Bola Tinubu says he is not a bigot, declaring that Nigeria must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry.
Tinubu said this when he received the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Tinubu, who highlighted the importance of citizens and leaders investing in the nation to build a strong society, stressed hat poverty affects everyone regardless of religion and called for collective efforts to fight it.
He noted that security agencies were already curtailing the nation’s insecurity, stressing that adherents of all religions felt the impact of the efforts.
The president said: “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.
“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.”
Tinubu thanked religious leaders for their prayers, saying the country is already witnessing a better deal and a newfound optimism.
Tinubu: I understand Nigerians’ plight, I’ll build better nation
Tinubu also highlighted the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.
He added: “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.”
Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and the CBCN President, who led the delegation of 20 Bishops from across the country, said they were at the State House to congratulate President Tinubu on his victory, having not had the opportunity last year, and to commend him for his efforts to reposition the country and share some concerns.
The cleric said: “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.”
He said the removal of fuel subsidies had undoubtedly affected the people and commended the tax reform initiative, which he believed would “generate, in the long run, more resources for advancing the common good.”
The CBCN President acknowledged the efforts of security agencies to curtail insecurity in the court and urged for more concerted efforts to “rekindle hope and inspire confidence in the hearts of our people.”
The Bishops called for a well-defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and patriotic unity without necessarily impinging on individuals’ fundamental rights.
“Efforts should be made to ensure that religious practice in Nigeria fosters unity rather than division,” they added.
On religious pilgrimages, the body said the government should hands-off sponsorship to curtail waste and corruption.
They said: “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.
“We would propose that public funds be redirected towards pressing national needs.”
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