President Bola Tinubu has firmly rejected allegations of religious bias and bigotry, asserting that Nigeria’s development cannot be achieved while entangled in religious divisions. He made the comments during a meeting with a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), who visited him to discuss pressing national issues, including the country’s economic challenges, security concerns, and religious harmony.
Tinubu, speaking on a day when the Nigerian government dismissed reports by the United States regarding the targeting of Christians in the country, emphasized his commitment to a unified Nigeria, free from religious prejudice.
Addressing the delegation of Catholic bishops, President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s path to progress requires the nation to rise above religious bigotry. “For Nigeria to develop, we must be above religious bigotry,” he said, insisting that no group—be it Muslim or Christian—should suffer due to religion. “I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church. We have to think of our country; this country must develop beyond religious bigotry,” the President remarked, emphasizing his belief in an inclusive government.
This declaration comes amidst widespread concerns about religious tensions in Nigeria, a nation that is home to a large Christian and Muslim population. Tinubu’s reassurance reflects his commitment to inclusivity and the development of a nation where all religious groups coexist peacefully.
The President further highlighted the impact of insecurity on the lives of all Nigerians, regardless of faith. “This insecurity affects everyone, Christians, Muslims alike,” he added, noting that his administration is making strides in tackling security challenges facing the country.
On the same day, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded strongly to a report by the United States, which alleged targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. The Ministry called the report “misinformation and misleading.” This rebuttal from the Nigerian government comes at a time when there are concerns over religious violence and killings in different parts of the country. Tinubu himself has repeatedly stated that his government’s priority is ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious background.
While addressing the Catholic bishops, the President explained that the security issues plaguing the nation require cooperation and understanding from all citizens. He reassured them that his government is working relentlessly to restore peace and safety to the country, emphasizing that it is an issue that affects all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion.
President Tinubu also spoke candidly about the challenges his government faces in managing the country’s economy. He acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are enduring due to his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies. “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.
The President’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, which had been a financial burden on the government for years, has faced considerable backlash from some Nigerians who argue that it has led to higher fuel prices and increased living costs. However, Tinubu maintained that the decision was necessary for the long-term growth and stability of Nigeria’s economy.
“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 coloration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together,” he stated, urging Nigerians to understand that the country’s economic difficulties are a collective challenge that requires the input of everyone, regardless of religion or background.
During the meeting, the Catholic Bishops also raised concerns about the government’s control of mission schools and requested their return to religious organizations. Tinubu, however, explained that decisions regarding the return of mission schools fall under the jurisdiction of state governments. He did share his personal experience, noting that when he was governor of Lagos State, he returned mission schools to the relevant religious bodies.
The issue of religious schools has been a longstanding debate in Nigeria, with various religious groups calling for the return of schools taken over by the government in the past. Tinubu’s statement makes it clear that while he supports religious freedom, these matters are not within the direct control of the federal government, which would need to work with individual states to address the issue.
Another major issue raised by the bishops was the government’s funding of religious pilgrimages, particularly the Hajj and Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, the leader of the CBCN delegation and Archbishop of Owerri, called for the government to stop funding religious pilgrimages, suggesting that public funds should instead be directed toward more pressing national needs.
“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organizing 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 stated.
The issue of government funding for religious pilgrimages has been a topic of debate for years, with critics arguing that such expenditures divert valuable resources away from critical public services, including healthcare and education. Ugorji’s comments reflect the growing call for a more responsible use of public funds.
The CBCN also congratulated President Tinubu on his election and acknowledged the difficult economic policies his administration has had to implement. Dr. Ugorji, in his remarks, called for more efforts from 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,” Ugorji said. “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.”
The theme of hope is timely, considering the nation’s current challenges. The Catholic Bishops’ visit highlighted the importance of fostering national unity through the understanding and cooperation of religious groups, and their call for improved religious harmony and security aligns with the ongoing efforts of President Tinubu’s government.
