Tinubu pledges fairness to Northern Christians, says mission is to unite Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, the President declared that his mission is to unite the nation and promote prosperity for every citizen.

Addressing Christian leaders at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters, Tinubu assured the Northern Christian community that his government would continue to uphold justice and equal opportunity.

“I have a mission to unite this country and ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” Tinubu said.

The President was in Jos to attend the funeral service of the late Madam Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who died at the age of 83.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Tinubu described her as “a devoted mother and humanitarian,” while recalling his long-standing connection with Plateau State and its people.

Reflecting on his own interfaith family, the President said: “In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian—a pastor for that matter—and I have never forced her to change her religion.”

He urged religious leaders to support his administration’s drive for national unity, saying leaders must “manage religious issues for the benefit of all.”

On security, President Tinubu reiterated his government’s resolve to end insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and farmers-herders conflicts.

“We are defeating the bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he stated.

The President also assured that his administration is revamping the economy “for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

In his remarks, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described his late mother as a resilient woman who lived on medication for 47 years but never stopped working hard or helping others.

He thanked the President for his support and pledged to justify the trust reposed in him as APC chairman.

COCIN President and Spiritual Leader, Rev. Dr. Amos Mohzo, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing Northern Christians to strategic positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Prof. Yilwatda.

He also lauded the administration’s efforts to restore peace in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for assistance to victims of communal conflicts and displaced Christians in Borno and Adamawa.

Mohzo pledged the continued support of the church for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

Also present were former SGF Boss Mustapha, former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Yahaya Bello, Fidelis Tapgun, and Rochas Okorocha, as well as members of the APC National Working Committee, lawmakers, and senior government officials.