In a notable display of interfaith engagement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State’s COCIN Church Headquarters in Jos conveyed messages of unity and equitable governance, striking chords with Christian leaders grappling with regional insecurity. Speaking to assembled clergy, Tinubu articulated a personal and national commitment to religious harmony, illustrating his Muslim heritage alongside marriage to a Christian pastor without pressure for conversion.
“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” Tinubu affirmed, projecting steadfast pursuit of cohesion amid Nigeria’s diversity. His Plateau appearance coincided with paying respects to Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC Chairman Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, whom he eulogized as devoted, spotlighting personal empathy intersecting political outreach.
Tinubu framed insecurity combat – notably banditry and farmer-herder conflicts – as integral to his Renewed Hope Agenda, vowing determination: “We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes”. Economic revitalization, he indicated, underpins broader citizenry benefits, urging clerical faith in his stewardship.
COCIN President Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo voiced gratitude for Tinubu’s Northern Christian appointments like SGF Senator George Akume and APC helm for Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, soliciting response to Benue/Borno crises aiders and Cameroun-displaced Christians. “We thank President Tinubu for his support of Northern Christians,” Mohzo said, pledging ecclesiastical backing for Renewed Hope goals.
The Jos gathering drew Nigeria’s political echelon – Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governors Forum head AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman, NSA Nuhu Ribadu – amid Tinubu’s balancing act of political tribute and security messaging. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), relayed these interactions evidencing Tinubu’s bridging intent. Bayo Onanuga underscored the President’s outreach amid challenges reflects governance prioritizing inclusivity. Bayo Onanuga highlighted such diplomacy seeks harmonious coexistence navigating Nigeria’s faultlines.
