Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu will not exploit religion and ethnicity to divide the country, according to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. He said this at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council 2023 in Abuja on Tuesday.

Akume said Tinubu’s appointments have been inclusive and balanced across different faiths and regions. He also assured Nigerians that Tinubu would deliver on his Renewed Hope agenda, which aims to improve security, human development, and peaceful coexistence.

Akume urged religious leaders to promote mutual understanding and harmony among their followers, while the political leaders work for the common good and welfare of the people. He said Nigerians have no reason to live in poverty, given the abundant human and natural resources in the country.

He said, “We are laying a foundation that will put smiles on the faces of the citizens. This is why we call for a renewed hope. Let us live in unity to a point that though tongue and tribe may differ, in unity we must stand.” The meeting was also attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad, and the President of the Christians Association of Nigeria, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh.

The Sultan appealed to Nigerians to come together and address the country’s challenges. He said, “We must always tell the truth. When things are bad, we must say. When things are good, we must say it, because, as stated by Usman Danfodio, conscience is an open wound; only the truth can heal it. Things are bad, but it will get better. We must talk to our people never to lose hope. We must not lose hope. Yes, there are challenges, let us raise, come together, and pray for our country.”

The CAN President stressed the importance of good governance for the restoration of hope. He said, “Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources, more than many nations of the world but we need to get it right on the management of these resources for the good of all. Good governance, therefore, is key as we consider the restoration of hope in Nigeria. We must get to that level where Nigerians would be convinced to have faith in those in charge of governance.”

The Nigeria Inter-Religious Council 2023 is a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the two major religions in the country. It aims to foster peace, unity, and development in Nigeria.