Tinubu Sues For Peace, Tolerance From Nigerians Irrespective Of Affiliations

…. Charges Catholic Church To Speak The Truth, Uphold  Justice, Fairness
By Bassey Nkponam
OBOT AKARA
Nigeria’s President,  Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sued for peace and tolerance from Nigerians, irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliations, while leaders and citizens alike should embrace dialogue free from bias and conflict.
   Tinubu stated this, yesterday, in his goodwill message at the 2nd Plenary of the 2025 Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, which took place at the Diocesan Retreat and Youth Development Centre, Nto Ekpu Ikot, Obot Akara Local Government Area.
  Represented by the secretary to the government of the federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, Tinubu acknowledged the role of the church in nation building, and charged the body to speak the truth and uphold  justice and fairness without fear or favour.
  He called on the church body to partner government to promote  civic education and youth empowerment in order to equip the next generation with not just academic skills but with values that will make them responsible citizens of the country.
   The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who chaired the occasion, highlighted the role of the church as a vital partner in Nigeria’s development in line with scriptural values.
   Akpabio lauded the Catholic Church for sustaining the vision of the Tinubu- led administration as well as the Church’s contribution to national and human capital development, through various empowerment initiatives.
  The State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, urged the Church in Nigeria and in Akwa Ibom to remain united in the pursuit of the common good of humanity, while commending the unmatched commitment of the  Catholic Church to humanitarian service.
  Eno described the Catholic Church as the single largest non-governmental investor in education, healthcare, and social support across the nation, while also acknowledging the cordial relationship he has enjoyed with the Catholic Church and, indeed, the body of Christ since his elevation to the position of governor of Akwa Ibom State.
  According to him, the Catholic Church has played key roles all over the world, from democratic, authoritarian and socialist systems in demanding fair, equitable governance, urging the Church to maintain a united front for societal development.
  The governor noted that the Catholic Church has consistently demonstrated what it means to live out faith in action, praising its immense contributions in uplifting communities beyond the scope of government.
  Eno said his administration remains committed to people-centered leadership that prioritises the welfare of all.
  While outlining his administration’s humanitarian strides, the governor said 206 Compassionate Homes have already been delivered to widows and the vulnerable out of a target of 500, under the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, even as 477,000 households have so far been reached under Phases 1 and 2 of the free food distribution programme.
  He also mentioned the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Humanitarian Services, the ARISE Care for the Elderly initiative, as well as other programmes designed to cushion the burdens of the less privileged, saying these interventions reflect government’s shared mission with the Church – to care for the vulnerable, bring hope to the needy, and ensure no one is left behind.
  Eno welcomed the Bishops and applauded the host and Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Most Reverend Camillus Umoh, for the dedication and excellence in organising the conference, and expressed joy over the choice of Akwa Ibom as host, describing the event as a blessing with deep religious significance.
  Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continuously partner the Catholic Church and other faith-based organisations in building a compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful society.
  In his Liturgy of the Word and homily, the Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, and host of the conference, Most Reverend Camillus Umoh, emphasised the essence of unity in Christ.
  The conference, which is hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene under the leadership of Most Reverend Camillus Umoh, and attended by priests, reverend fathers and bishops from dioceses across Nigeria, is expected to foster unity, peace, and renewed commitment to national progress.