- Urges church leaders to join fight against corruption
By Olukayode Idowu
President Bola Tinubu has urged Christian leaders to support his administration’s fight against corruption by encouraging Nigerians to change their mindset on money matters.
Speaking during a visit by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) delegation led by Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Monday, President Tinubu emphasized the role of faith leaders in promoting unity and peace.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. If you do not preach understanding, tolerance, perseverance and hope, you damage the country and nobody will help repair it,” Tinubu told the CAN officials.
He called on CAN to “admonish Nigerians to have a change of mindset and not make money our god or master.”
President Tinubu vowed to continue addressing corruption and other vices, describing it as a “sacred duty to ensure the country is set right for the prosperity of all.”
“I am here today because of your prayers and the will of God Almighty. What I have challenged myself to do each day is to be fair to all Nigerians. I have had a number of criticisms, including the rationale behind the size of my cabinet. If you want efficient, mobile and resourceful people, we have to give people a load they can carry,” the President explained.
The CAN president in response urged Tinubu not to relent in providing good governance by ensuring security, inclusivity and peaceful co-existence.
“You have extended a hand of fellowship to us, and we embrace you and your family with the love of Christ and promise to partner with you in nation-building, for the task is quite daunting,” Okoh told Tinubu.
He expressed confidence that the president has the “sagacity to give leadership in battling our challenges and in turning around the fortunes of our nation, Nigeria, within a short time.”
The CAN leader described Tinubu as a “listening leader” and pledged that the Christian body will remain non-partisan while partnering with the government at all levels, adding “You will not stumble, and you will not fall.”
Okoh said, “CAN has maintained an active presence at all levels from the national to the grassroots, and we have remained non-partisan. You will always find our association as a ready and willing partner in nation-building.”
