The Federal Government has expressed its willingness to strengthen collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), faith-based organisations and other stakeholders as part of efforts to address the country’s security, economic and development challenges.
The assurance was given by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, in response to public reactions that followed last week’s meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic bishops.
During the meeting, the bishops reportedly raised concerns over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, the state of democracy and the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
After the meeting, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who was among the church leaders present, said in an interview on Arise Television that President Tinubu disagreed with the bishops’ assessment of the country’s situation and maintained that his administration was making progress.
The cardinal’s comments drew sharp reactions from two presidential aides, Temitope Ajayi and Daniel Bwala, who argued that it was inappropriate for Onaiyekan to publicly present his interpretation of what transpired during what they described as a private meeting with the President.
Their remarks, however, attracted widespread criticism from commentators who defended the cardinal and the bishops, insisting that religious leaders have a responsibility to speak truth to power.
Reacting to the controversy, Akume, through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yomi Odunuga, said President Tinubu remains open to sincere advice and constructive criticism.
“Many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development.
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“Constructive engagement between the government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential,” Akume said.
According to him, the meeting between the President and the Catholic bishops was conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and frank discussions.
“Discussions between the President and the bishops were candid, respectful and constructive,” he said, adding that the conversation covered issues including security, economic hardship, public service delivery, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
Akume acknowledged that the government and the Catholic Church may not always share the same views but insisted that such differences should not weaken their common commitment to Nigeria’s stability and development.
On the issue of insecurity, the SGF said the Tinubu administration was strengthening the nation’s security architecture through the establishment of additional Army divisions, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced logistics, increased recruitment, deployment of technology and better welfare for military personnel.
He also defended the administration’s economic reforms, arguing that the measures were necessary to correct long-standing structural weaknesses and restore macroeconomic stability.
Akume further dismissed concerns that the administration was working towards a one-party state, reiterating that President Tinubu remains committed to a multi-party democratic system.
He said the Federal Government would continue engaging religious bodies and other stakeholders in its efforts to build a more secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.