Tinubu Seeks Catholic Bishops’ Support To Build The Nation

……..Assures of improved economy, formidable security and credible elections in 2027

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration has restored stability to the economy, improved national security efforts and remains committed to delivering credible elections in 2027.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The President said Nigeria had moved away from the economic uncertainty he inherited in 2023, stressing that his government’s reforms and interventions had placed the country on a stronger financial footing.

According to him, the administration inherited both the assets and liabilities of the previous government but has successfully stabilised the economy and restored investor confidence.

“The country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and the dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed,” Tinubu said.

He added that the country was now positioned for greater prosperity, noting that the benefits of ongoing reforms would continue to impact positively on Nigerians.

On security, the President said his administration was determined to end terrorism, banditry and kidnapping through increased investment in the armed forces, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced operational capacity and better welfare for security personnel.

He disclosed that approval had been given for the expansion of military capacity, including the procurement of more equipment and construction of additional barracks to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

Tinubu also highlighted progress in the education sector, stating that industrial peace had returned to public universities, with prolonged disruptions caused by strikes significantly reduced.

He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding access to education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the approval of additional universities across the country.

Speaking on the 2027 general elections, the President dismissed claims of political intimidation, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would remain impartial and ensure a fair contest for all political parties.

Tinubu also addressed calls for the return of mission schools, explaining that state governments had the constitutional authority to determine such decisions. He recalled that his administration as Lagos State Governor had returned some mission schools to their original owners.

Earlier, Archbishop Ndagoso praised Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with the Vatican but raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, the state of tertiary education and the need for credible elections.

The CBCN President urged the Federal Government to deepen democratic institutions, guarantee free and fair elections in 2027, consider the return of mission schools and ensure equal treatment for all religious groups.

He noted that Tinubu’s lasting legacy would be measured by his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and consolidate the gains of the country’s pro-democracy struggle.