President Bola Ahmed Tinubu The president reaffirms the fight against insecurity and economic reform while the opposition leader accuses him of misplaced priorities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to uniting Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines, assuring Christian communities in Northern Nigeria that his administration remains devoted to fairness, peace, and inclusivity.
Speaking during a visit to the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, President Tinubu emphasized that religious diversity should not divide the nation but rather strengthen its unity. The president, who was in Jos to attend the funeral service of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stressed that his mission is to foster harmony and prosperity among Nigerians.
“I have a mission to unite this country and ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” Tinubu declared, urging citizens to look beyond religious affiliations and embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding.
Reflecting on his own family life, the president cited his marriage as an example of peaceful coexistence between faiths. “I inherited Islam from my family. I didn’t change. But my wife is a pastor. She prays for me, and there is no conflict. I never tried to convert her, nor has she tried to convert me,” Tinubu said.
According to him, Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and shared humanity. “I believe in the freedom of religion. We are praying to the same God, and we will all answer to Him. What matters most are our deeds, character, and love for one another,” he noted.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity, pledging that terrorism, banditry, and farmers-herders clashes would be confronted decisively. “We are defeating the bandits, and we will defeat them completely. We are also addressing the farmers-herders crisis to restore peace across the country,” he assured.
On the economy, the president maintained that his government is pursuing reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and development for all Nigerians. He expressed confidence that the ongoing restructuring of key sectors would soon yield tangible benefits.
During the funeral service, Tinubu paid tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, describing her as a woman of deep faith, compassion, and resilience. “She was a devoted mother and a pillar of her community. We thank God for her life of service and faith,” he said.
In his remarks, the chief mourner and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, thanked the president for his support and reflected on his mother’s strength and selflessness. “My mother lived on medication for 47 years, yet she worked tirelessly to care for others. We celebrate her for her sacrifices and love,” he said.
The President of COCIN, Reverend Amos Mohzo, commended President Tinubu for promoting inclusion by appointing Northern Christians to key positions, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda. He also appealed to the president to provide more assistance to victims of conflicts in Benue, Plateau, and other affected states, and to help displaced Christians safely return to their homes in the Northeast.
The funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and ministers from various portfolios. Also present were former governors Yahaya Bello, Tanko Al-Makura, Rochas Okorocha, Fidelis Tapgun, and Adamu Mu’azu.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Tinubu for what he described as poor prioritization of national concerns. In a post on his official X handle, Atiku faulted the president for attending the funeral event in Plateau State instead of visiting communities affected by recent violent attacks.
“With large parts of the country still under siege from unrelenting insecurity and thousands of lives lost, it is deeply unfortunate that President Tinubu has not once deemed it necessary to visit any of the affected states to commiserate with the grieving citizens,” Atiku stated.
He described the president’s presence at the funeral of the APC chairman’s mother as “a sad reflection of priorities and a mockery of leadership,” adding that it demonstrated a lack of empathy and compassion. “Between the APC national chairman and his president, what we witnessed today is a heartless exhibition of disregard for empathy and the dignity of human life,” Atiku said.
The former vice president urged the federal government to show greater solidarity with victims of violence in the North-central region, warning that leadership must be defined by compassion, not partisanship.
Despite the criticism, President Tinubu maintained that his administration’s focus remains on fostering peace, unity, and prosperity for all Nigerians, irrespective of faith, tribe, or political affiliation.
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