Tinubu Assures Northern Christians of Fairness, Unity in Governance
Tinubu Assures Northern Christians of Fairness, Unity in Governance
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting unity and fairness among all Nigerians, regardless of religious affiliation.
Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, the President assured Christian communities in the North of equitable treatment under his leadership.
“I have a mission to unite this country and ensure its prosperity. We are making progress,” President Tinubu 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.”
The President urged church leaders to have faith in his government, noting that both political and religious leaders share the responsibility of managing diversity for the common good.
He further restated his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity, particularly the menace of terrorism, banditry, and farmers-herders conflicts.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he assured.
President Tinubu also spoke on the government’s ongoing economic reforms, saying efforts were being intensified to revamp the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
While paying tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the President described her as a devoted mother and a humanitarian.
“The history behind this church is rooted in faith and tradition. I have been to Jos before. When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Mutfwang showed me the house of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande. During the SDP days, we met there to decide the fate of MKO Abiola.
Today, I am grateful to be here again, this time as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to pay tribute to the mother of the community,” he said.
Professor Yilwatda, who was the chief mourner, described his mother as a tireless and compassionate woman who lived with health challenges for 47 years but remained steadfast in service and support to others.
“I thank God for her life. My mother worked tirelessly despite her health condition and continued to provide humanitarian assistance. I also thank President Tinubu for his confidence in me and promise to keep the trust,” Yilwatda said.
In his remarks, the President of COCIN, Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his inclusiveness and for appointing Northern Christians to key national positions, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.
He also lauded the President’s response to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for further support for victims of conflict and displaced Christian communities in Borno and Adamawa States who fled to Cameroon due to insurgency.
“We assure you of our unflinching support as you continue to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Rev. Mohzo said.
The funeral ceremony was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and his predecessor, Boss Mustapha.
Also present were APC governors, ministers, former governors, members of the National Assembly, APC National Working Committee members, and other dignitaries from across the country.
