President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to decisively addressing insecurity across the country, stressing that criminality will be tackled without bias or compromise.
Tinubu who Saturday departed for Rome at the invitation of Pope Leo XIV, will be accompanied by top Catholic leaders.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Policy Communications, Mr. Daniel Bwala, the president made this declaration during a courtesy visit from the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Chivir Chianson, at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
“The government will not tolerate any form of evil. Crime is crime and should not be viewed through religious or tribal lenses,” Tinubu said, assuring the delegation that security forces have received renewed directives to act swiftly and comprehensively.
He noted that the federal government is in constant dialogue with state governors to tackle the root causes of insecurity, which includes insurgency, banditry, and communal violence. “It may still exist to a degree, but rest assured, we are committed to building a safe and secure Nigeria where everyone can pursue their aspirations freely,” he added.
President Tinubu will attend a solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
“In the Papal invitation sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV underscored the need for President Tinubu’s physical presence ‘at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts,” the statement said.
Pope Leo further stressed: “Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.”
President Tinubu’s entourage includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop of Owerri and President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos.
“The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, is also in the president’s entourage.
“Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be formally installed to the exalted office on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
“The Conclave of Cardinals elected him 27 days after his predecessor, Pope Francis, died on April 21.
“President Tinubu will return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: Tinubu seeks Senate approval of FCT budget
While receiving the Christian leaders, President Tinubu also stressed the importance of national unity and consensus in addressing insecurity, urging religious and community leaders not to politicize the fight against crime.
On the economic front, Tinubu said recent reforms were beginning to yield results and called on the bishops to continue supporting the administration’s vision.
In response, Archbishop Chianson expressed appreciation for the president’s efforts, particularly the recent approval for the recruitment of forest guards to protect forested areas—a move he described as “long overdue.”
He also praised the fairness of federal appointments, highlighting the inclusion of Christians such as Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as a sign of religious balance.
“The church commends the Renewed Hope agenda. We believe this government is sincere, and we stand ready to support its initiatives,” Chianson said.
Other bishops in attendance included Archbishop James Maljit, Archbishop Joseph Jatau Yari, Archbishop Alexander Nyoonkyeh, and Bishop David Gyang.
NAN
