President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, gave the Independent National Electoral Commission a clean bill of health, accusing the opposition parties of crying wolf.
Key opposition figures have expressed doubts in INEC’s ability to conduct transparent elections.
Tinubu, who spoke in INEC’s defence while receiving the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, said, “The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me.”
The President also assured Nigerians that the ongoing restructuring of security operations and institutions will deliver victory over terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country.
He stressed that Nigeria’s security architecture is being repositioned for greater efficiency.
Tinubu said the security challenges were being tackled through enhanced intelligence gathering, restructuring and repositioning of security institutions, improved logistical support, and prioritisation of frontline personnel welfare.
He urged the CBCN and all religious leaders to actively condemn violent attacks, guide their members, and support government efforts to end insurgency.
Tinubu added, “We don’t have another country but 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.’’
On poverty alleviation, President Tinubu affirmed that the government would sustain interventions that directly improve the livelihoods of families and citizens, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“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 stated.
The President told the leaders of the CBCN that state governors, following the constitution, have the authority to decide the return of mission schools.
“I returned all mission schools when I was the governor of Lagos State, and Cardinal Okogie, one of my best friends, is alive to testify to that,’’ he stated.
In his remarks, the President of the CBCN appreciated the President for the warm reception extended to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Ndagoso outlined areas of concern in the country, which include security, quality tertiary education and limited spaces, sustaining gains of democracy, credible elections and poverty.
The President of CBCN also urged President Tinubu to consider the return of mission schools and fair treatment for all worshipers, including the provision of worship places in all parts of the country, without bias.
The Archbishop of Kaduna called for free and fair elections in 2027.
“As a man who risked so much in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in the dark days of the military dictatorship, your greatest legacy would be the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” the Archbishop said.
