Economic Reforms Essential for Nigeria’s Future, Assures President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu engaged with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, emphasizing necessary economic reforms and the removal of fuel subsidies as crucial for Nigeria’s future. He acknowledged the impact of insecurity on all religious groups and reinforced his commitment to inclusivity. The bishops urged improvements in public confidence and security while calling for reallocation of funds away from religious pilgrimages.

President Bola Tinubu addressed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, affirming his understanding of the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. He emphasized the necessity of ongoing economic reforms to ensure national stability, specifically defending the recent removal of fuel subsidies despite its challenges. He stated, “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 elaborated on how the fuel subsidy removal was crucial to safeguard the nation’s future and prevent the depletion of resources meant for future generations. Additionally, he highlighted his administration’s tax reforms as a means to boost investment in the nation’s development, underscoring that poverty transcends religious boundaries, affecting everyone. “There’s no religious colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together,” he added.

Regarding security issues, President Tinubu noted the ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, acknowledging that both Christians and Muslims are impacted by these challenges. He affirmed his commitment to religious tolerance, referencing his wife’s role as a pastor and reinforcing his position against religious bias. “I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot,” he stated, stressing the importance of national development over religious divisions.

In response to requests from the bishops about the return of mission schools, Tinubu clarified that such matters lie with state governance but referenced his past efforts to return these schools as governor of Lagos State. The bishops, led by Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, congratulated Tinubu on his election but urged for improvements in public confidence, security, and religious harmony.

They articulated a desire for the government to redirect funding from religious pilgrimages to more pressing national issues, suggesting that religious organizations should assume responsibility for pilgrimage arrangements. “The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organizing pilgrimages,” Ugorji asserted, highlighting past corruption instances within pilgrimage boards. The meeting also included key government officials, demonstrating a collaborative effort towards Nigeria’s challenges.

In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s dialogue with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference underscores his commitment to vital economic reforms and tackling insecurity in Nigeria. His defense of the fuel subsidy removal highlights the difficult choices required for long-term national stability. The bishops’ call for a restoration of public confidence, coupled with a push for religious harmony, emphasizes the collaborative and multifaceted approach needed to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

Original Source: punchng.com