FG buckles, seeks partnership with Catholic Bishops, others

FG buckles, seeks partnership with Catholic Bishops, others

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the Federal Government believes that many of Nigeria’s pressing challenges can only be addressed through sustained partnership with faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens.

He stressed that constructive engagement is essential to promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.

Akume said the administration of President Bola Tinubu would continue to deepen consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the country.

He maintained that the government remains open to honest counsel and would continue to govern with openness, accountability and evidence-based policies.

The SGF assured that the Tinubu administration is neither seeking, nor in support of a one-party state, just as it remains deeply respectful of the independence of the nation’s electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy.

This was contained In a statement on the recent disagreement between the administration and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Akume, who personally signed the statement said the government would sustain dialogue and conflict prevention through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing collaboration with religious institutions as indispensable to advancing the national interest.

He said, “many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development. Constructive engagement between Government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.”

Akume added that his office will continue consultations with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest.”

He also said the Federal Government had taken note of public reactions following the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, and reaffirmed its profound respect for the Catholic Church and its enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.

The SGF said government recognised the Church as one of Nigeria’s most important development partners and acknowledged that, like all faith communities, it had both the right and responsibility to speak on issues affecting the welfare of citizens and the country’s future.

He explained that discussions between the President and the Bishops were candid, respectful and constructive, covering concerns relating to security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.

According to him, both parties also acknowledged progress made under the administration, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

Akume noted that while there were areas of agreement and differences in assessment, such differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect or detract from the shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.