I am not a religious bigot, My wife is a pastor at RCCG – Tinubu to Catholic Bishops

President Bola Tinubu has told the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) that he harbors no religious bias, emphasizing that he is committed to national unity and development.

Speaking at a meeting with the bishops at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties Nigerians are facing but maintained that ongoing reforms are crucial for building a resilient economy and securing the future of the nation’s children.

Speaking on the need for collective investment in the country, the President noted that poverty affects everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, and called for unity in tackling it.

He also defended the government’s tax reform, describing it as an opportunity for citizens to contribute to national development.

“Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was difficult, but it was a necessary decision to prevent Nigeria from going bankrupt. We were spending the future investments of unborn generations. Poverty does not recognize religion or ethnicity; it affects everyone, and we must fight it together,” Tinubu stated.

Responding to the bishops’ request for the government to return mission schools previously taken over, Tinubu clarified that such institutions are managed at the state level, not by the federal government.

He recalled that during his tenure as governor of Lagos, he returned mission schools to their original owners.

The President also praised the Catholic Church’s contributions to education and healthcare, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving security.

“This insecurity affects everyone—Christians and Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I am not a bigot. My wife is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. But we must think of our country. Nigeria must develop beyond religious divisions. My door is always open,” he assured.

Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Owerri, who led a delegation of 20 bishops, stated that the CBCN visited to congratulate Tinubu on his victory and to discuss national concerns.

He acknowledged the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal but commended the tax reform initiative, believing it would generate more resources for the country in the long run.

While recognizing the efforts of security agencies in addressing insecurity, Ugorji urged for more action to restore public confidence. He also stressed the need for religion to serve as a force for national unity rather than division.

Regarding religious pilgrimages, the bishops urged the government to stop sponsoring them, citing concerns over waste and corruption.

“The government should allow religious organizations to handle pilgrimages independently. The current structure of national and state pilgrims’ boards does not serve the best interests of adherents or the nation. Public funds should be redirected to address pressing national needs,” Ugorji stated.