Tinubu: I’m not a bigot… Nigeria must move beyond religious bigotry

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria must develop and stand beyond religious bigotry.

The president spoke in Abuja on Friday when he received a delegation from the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, led by Lucius Ugorji, the conference president.

Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians due to ongoing economic reforms, stating that the measures implemented were necessary to build a resilient nation and secure a better future for generations to come.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; we were spending their rights. Poverty has no religious basis. It affects all, and we must fight it together.”

Tinubu added that poverty transcends religious and ethnic divides, urging citizens and leaders to unite in addressing the issue.

He said tax reforms are an opportunity for Nigerians to invest in the nation’s development.

On the issue of insecurity, the president assured the bishops that security agencies are making significant progress in tackling the nation’s challenges.

He said the impact of insecurity is felt by all, regardless of religious affiliation, and reiterated his commitment to religious tolerance.

“This insecurity affects everyone—Christians and Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church,” Tinubu said.

“But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry.

“We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door.”

The president thanked religious leaders for their prayers, noting that the country is already witnessing a better deal and a newfound optimism.

He highlighted the competition among operators in the petroleum sector, the bountiful harvest enjoyed by farmers, and the lower prices of commodities, adding that investments are flowing into the country.

“There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that,” he said.

“What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. 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.”