President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to promoting unity among Nigerians. He recently stated that even though his wife is a Christian, he has never tried to force her to convert to Islam.
Speaking during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, the President was quoted as saying, “I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress.”
In a press statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted his family’s interfaith background while paying tribute to the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
According to him, despite having a strong Muslim background, he still went ahead to marry a pastor and never attempted to force her to become a Muslim.
“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,” he said.
Urging clergymen to believe in his leadership, BAT emphasised that religious leaders must play a role in managing differences for the greater good.
He further reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fighting insecurity, stressing that Nigeria will keep defeating any group that threatens the peace in the country.
Tinubu concluded by describing the late Mama Yilwatda as a devoted mother and humanitarian whose legacy will never be forgotten.
“The history behind this church is rooted in faith with deep acceptance in the Lord and tradition. I have been to Jos before. When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Muftwang 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 that I am alive and to God be the glory to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to come here to bid farewell to the mother of the community, and a humanitarian,” he added.
