Nigerians Must Endure My Reforms – Tinubu Tells Catholic Bishops
BY EDMOND ODOK – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigerians must endure current economic reforms towards building a resilient country with a guaranteed future.
He also admitted that Nigerians are going through rough times due the reforms but insisted that these are hard choices Nigerians must face.
Speaking when he received the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja on Friday, the President stressed the importance of citizens and leaders investing in the nation to build a strong society.
He said the proposed tax reform presented a good investment opportunity for citizens to build their nation, adding; “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.
“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 colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together”.
Reacting to the request on returning mission schools that were taken over by governments, the President noted that schools are sub-national entities, not owned by the Federal Government.
“I’ve been a good example as the Governor of Lagos state. I returned all the mission schools”.
While commending the Catholic Church’s commitment to education and healthcare, President Tinubu said NELFUND was established to ensure that no student dropped out of school due to a lack of funds for tuition fees.
This is as he promised to consider ways of helping students of private institutions that are not covered by the NELFUND arrangement.
For the President, the security agencies are seriously curtailing the nation’s insecurity with adherents of all religions already feeling the impact of the efforts.
He said; “This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church. But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry.
“And I’m here open to you, ready to listen. We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door.”
In appreciating religious leaders for their prayers that have seen the country witnessing a better deal with newfound optimism, President Tinubu noted that there are the competition among operators in the petroleum sector; bountiful harvest being enjoyed by farmers; and the lower prices of commodities.
Also, he noted that investments are flowing into the country, adding; “There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that.
“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.”
In his remarks, the CBCN President and the Archbishop of Owerri, Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, said they were at the State House to congratulate President Tinubu on his victory, having not had the opportunity last year, and to commend him for his efforts to reposition the country and share some concerns.
Reverend Ugorji, who led the delegation of 20 Bishops from across the country, told Tinubu; “Your government’s policy mantra is anchored on the principles of Renewed Hope. In this regard, 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.
“We came with the final fruits of our deliberations and will share them with you.”
According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies had undoubtedly affected the people and commended the tax reform initiative, which he believed would “generate, in the long run, more resources for advancing the common good.”
While also acknowledging the efforts of security agencies to curtail insecurity in the land, the CBCN President said more concerted efforts are required to “rekindle hope and inspire confidence in the hearts of our people.”
The Catholic Bishops demanded a well-defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and patriotic unity without necessarily impinging on individuals’ fundamental rights.
They maintained that; “efforts should be made to ensure that religious practice in Nigeria fosters unity rather than division.”
Also addressing the issue of religious pilgrimages, the CBCN said government should hands-off sponsorship to curtail waste and corruption, adding; “The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising 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.”
Going forward, the CBCN President said; “We would propose that public funds be redirected towards pressing national needs”.
