President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to stabilising Nigeria by defeating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Tinubu spoke on Tuesday when he received the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the government is tackling the security crisis through stronger intelligence gathering, the restructuring of security agencies, better logistics and improved welfare for frontline personnel.
The president urged the CBCN and other religious leaders to condemn violent attacks, guide their members and back government efforts to end insurgency.
“We don’t have another country but here – this Nigeria. And I will refer to the national anthem that in our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all, and humanity.
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem,’’ Mr Tinubu stated.
Tinubu also said his government would continue programmes aimed at improving the lives of families and citizens.
“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed.
“The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared. The economy has been delivered from bankruptcy.
“I always say, because of my background and profession, that I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving,’’ he added.
He urged Nigerians to use opportunities offered by government and private institutions while embracing education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition.
“We have no control over the population growth and trajectory. That is why you have membership in your various faiths, churches, to give hope to people and give commitment to humanity in the true sense of it. Our founding fathers did their best. They left us a nation, and we owe it to generations yet unborn to sustain it,’’ Mr Tinubu noted.
Ndagoso thanked the president and listed security, quality tertiary education, credible elections and poverty among issues needing urgent attention.
