President Bola Tinubu met with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, addressing economic reforms, religious harmony, and security. He defended subsidy removal and tax reforms while emphasizing partnership against insecurity. The bishops acknowledged his election and urged a focus on public confidence and financial accountability in religious activities.
President Bola Tinubu addressed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, acknowledging the economic difficulties faced by citizens while emphasizing the essential nature of ongoing economic reforms for national growth. He justified the removal of fuel subsidies, labeling it a tough but necessary decision to stave off national bankruptcy. Tinubu stated, “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face.”
He expressed concern about the nation’s financial future, highlighting that spending on subsidies jeopardized the rights of future generations and poverty affects all people irrespective of religion. Tinubu also pointed to his administration’s tax reforms, advocating them as avenues for citizens to contribute to national development.
On the issue of security, Tinubu reported progress in addressing insecurity, acknowledging that both Christians and Muslims suffer from it. Emphasizing inclusivity, he stated, “I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church.” He underscored the need for national unity beyond religious divides, affirming an open-door policy for dialogue.
Responding to bishops’ requests regarding mission schools, he clarified that such matters fall under state jurisdiction but previously returned some schools while serving as governor of Lagos State. The bishops, led by CBCN President Most Reverend Lucius Ugorji, congratulated Tinubu on his election and highlighted challenges related to his economic policies, calling for efforts to restore public confidence and improve national security.
Ugorji also mentioned Pope Francis’s proclamation of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which coincides with their conference theme, and urged the government to cease funding religious pilgrimages to prioritize national needs instead. He remarked, “The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages.”
The meeting included prominent officials like Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, noting the government’s intention to address the concerns raised.
President Tinubu recognizes the economic challenges facing Nigeria and underscores the necessity of structural reforms, including subsidy removal and tax adjustments. His commitment to maintaining religious harmony and security throughout the nation reflects an intention to foster inclusivity and national unity. The bishops’ suggestions for educational reform and pilgrimage organization highlight ongoing discussions addressing both socio-economic and religious issues within the country.
Original Source: punchng.com
