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Tinubu Assures Northern Christians of Fairness
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity among all religions in Nigeria, assuring Christian communities in the North that his government would continue to promote peace, unity, and equity.
The President gave the assurance during a meeting with Christian leaders at the Headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, as part of his visit to honour the late Mrs. Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who passed away at the age of 83.
According to the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Saturday, President Tinubu said his mission was to unite Nigerians and build a prosperous nation founded on fairness, justice, and mutual respect.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” the President declared. “In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian — a pastor for that matter — and I have never forced her to change her religion.”
The President urged religious leaders to continue to support efforts at national reconciliation, noting that leaders have a responsibility to manage religious diversity for the benefit of all.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, Tinubu said progress was being made in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and farmers-herders clashes.
“We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at revamping the nation’s economy, stressing that his government’s policies were designed to create lasting prosperity for all Nigerians.
While paying tribute to the late Lydia Yilwatda during the funeral prayers, President Tinubu described her as a devoted mother and humanitarian whose life reflected the values of faith and service.
“The history behind this church is rooted in faith with deep acceptance in the Lord and tradition,” he said. “When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Mutfwang showed me one of the bungalows — the house of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande. During the SDP days, we met there to decide the fate of MKO Abiola. Today, I am grateful to God that I am alive to come here as President to bid farewell to the mother of the community.”
In his tribute, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, described his late mother as a resilient and selfless woman who lived on medication for 47 years yet remained dedicated to supporting her family and community.
“My mother worked for twenty-four hours despite her health condition, supporting us and providing humanitarian assistance. I am here to thank God for her life,” he said, while expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for attending the funeral and for his confidence in his leadership of the APC.
Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President and Spiritual Leader of COCIN, who spoke on behalf of the clergy, thanked President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and for appointing Northern Christians to strategic national positions, including Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Professor Yilwatda as APC Chairman.
Dr. Mohzo also appealed to the President to assist victims of conflict in Benue State and facilitate the safe return of displaced Christian communities from Borno and Adamawa who fled to Cameroon due to insurgent attacks.
He pledged the Church’s continued prayers and support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Also in attendance were former SGF Boss Mustapha; former governors Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Adamu Mu’azu (Bauchi), Fidelis Tapgun (Plateau), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), and Rochas Okorocha (Imo); former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; APC National Working Committee members; and top government officials.
