President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed claims of religious bias, insisting that his administration is committed to fostering unity and development beyond religious divides.
Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that for Nigeria to progress, it must rise above religious bigotry.
His remarks came on the heels of the Federal Government’s rebuttal of allegations by the United States regarding targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the claims as misleading and based on misinformation.
Tinubu: “Poverty Has No Religious Colour”
Addressing the economic hardship facing Nigerians, Tinubu reiterated that the ongoing economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, were necessary for long-term national stability.
“Yes, removing fuel subsidies was a tough decision, but Nigeria had to face it. We were spending the investment of our future children yet unborn. Poverty has no religious basis—it affects all, and we must fight it together,” he stated.
On security challenges, the President noted that both Christians and Muslims were victims of insecurity, stressing that his government was making strides in addressing the situation.
“Insecurity does not discriminate—it affects everyone, regardless of religion. I have no religious bias, and I will never be a bigot. My wife is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), yet we must think beyond religion. Nigeria must develop beyond religious sentiments,” Tinubu added.
Mission Schools and Religious Pilgrimage
Responding to the bishops’ request for the return of missionary schools taken over by the government, Tinubu clarified that such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of state governments. He, however, recalled that during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, he returned mission schools to their rightful owners.
The CBCN delegation, led by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, congratulated the President on his election while acknowledging the challenges posed by his economic policies.
Ugorji further urged the government to halt the funding of religious pilgrimages, suggesting that the funds be redirected to more pressing national needs.
“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organizing pilgrimages. The current structure of national and state pilgrimage boards has been riddled with corruption, leading to the removal of some executives,” Ugorji said.
He also informed Tinubu that Pope Francis had declared this year as the Jubilee Year of Hope, aligning with the government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, and assured the President of the Church’s support in nation-building.
