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I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for Nigeria to rise above religious bigotry, urging citizens to unite in addressing economic and security challenges. 

Speaking in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, Tinubu acknowledged the hardships caused by ongoing economic reforms but insisted they were necessary to build a resilient nation for future generations.

“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.” He stressed that poverty transcends religious and ethnic divides and called on Nigerians to support tax reforms as a means of investing in the nation’s development.

Addressing security concerns, Tinubu assured the bishops that security agencies are making significant progress in tackling the country’s challenges. He noted that insecurity affects everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, and reaffirmed 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,” he 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 expressed gratitude to religious leaders for their prayers, highlighting positive economic changes, including increased competition in the petroleum sector, improved agricultural yields, and lower commodity prices. He also pointed to growing foreign investments as a sign of optimism in the country’s economic outlook. “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.”