President Bola Tinubu says interfaith dialogue is the only path to tackling Nigeria’s insecurity. He made the point on Saturday, July 4, while receiving Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s secretary for relations with States and International Organisations, at his Abuja residence, according to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
As reported by Vanguard, Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s plan to put interfaith talks first and to push for peace, harmony and tolerance among Nigeria’s many religious communities. He told the Archbishop he has a long, cordial relationship with the Catholic Church from his Lagos days and praised its role in education and health. Tinubu said that belief is why he prioritised returning mission schools to religious bodies after military rule.
Channels TV quoted Tinubu as saying:
“I appreciate the Pope. It was an honour for me to lead the Nigerian delegation to his inauguration as Pope Leo XIV. It was a moment of history. I see his efforts all over the world to promote World Peace. We need his spiritual engagement, as millions around the world look up to him. I look forward to receiving him in Nigeria.”
He added:
“My administration will continue to work on religious harmony among all faiths. Our Bishops and religious leaders have been doing a great deal. Please tell them to continue the good work they are doing. Let them continue to preach peace and tolerance. We cannot have an excess of that.
“I understand the roles that the Catholic church has been playing in expanding the frontiers of education, health and humanitarianism in Nigeria. It means a lot to us in Nigeria, and the country is benefiting from it.”
Tinubu also said:
“We are also doing a lot to guarantee freedom of worship. As you may be aware, my wife is a pastor at an evangelical church. This downplays the religious connotation that the religious controversy in our country might have taken.”
