President Bola Tinubu assured Nigerians on Friday that he would not allow religious bias to influence his handling of the country’s security challenges.
Speaking during a meeting with the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House in Abuja, the President emphasized that both Christians and Muslims are affected by the country’s insecurity, and he would not let religious bigotry cloud his leadership.
“I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot,” President Tinubu stated. “My wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church, but we must think of our country. This country must develop and stand beyond religious bigotry. I am here open to you, ready to listen. We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy, and I will not shut my door.”
Addressing the ongoing hardship in the country, Tinubu expressed hope and reaffirmed his commitment to a government that listens to the people. He acknowledged the tough decisions made since assuming office in 2023, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he said was a necessary but difficult choice to prevent the country from financial collapse.
Tinubu explained that while the removal of the fuel subsidy was challenging, it was essential for the long-term stability of the economy. He pointed to the increased competition among petroleum sector operators, improved harvests from farmers, and the reduced prices of commodities as evidence of progress. The President also highlighted the influx of investments into the country, emphasizing that what initially seemed like a tough beginning was now showing signs of hope.
“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,” he remarked. “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.”
On the security front, President Tinubu expressed his concern about the situation, acknowledging that it affects all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations. However, he reassured the CBCN that the security agencies were working diligently to address the nation’s insecurity, with efforts benefiting citizens of all faiths.
