President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated that the Federal Government remains resolute in its efforts to restore peace and prosperity to Nigeria, despite the tactics of bandits and insurgents.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence.
President Tinubu emphasised that his administration is committed to establishing state and community policing to transform the nation’s security framework.
He also called on CAN to collaborate with the government in achieving the country’s collective aspirations, noting that some initiatives will take time to mature.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are so large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it. We are very religious. We are prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance, and cooperation.
Community and State Police will be a reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs. Military hardware is difficult to replace. It is expensive and not available off the shelf.
Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States of America will take some time to arrive. We have approached Turkey for assistance,” he added.
The President noted that delays in equipment delivery have affected public perception of the government’s commitment to tackling security challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Mr Bayo Onanuga assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country’s security architecture will soon yield results that will gladden their hearts.
Addressing the recent abduction and release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, President Tinubu called for vigilance from all Nigerians, adding: “The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means.”
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President and leader of the delegation, assured the President of the organisation’s support.
“You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration.”
He also acknowledged the receipt of government palliatives, which are usually provided during religious festivals and off-season periods.
Archbishop Okoh appealed to President Tinubu to always engage directly with the association’s representatives through its established structures in all 774 local government areas of the country.
He further requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board to enable it to fulfil its mandate.
Other members of the delegation included CAN Vice President Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; representatives of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); the Catholic and Methodist blocks; and the CAN Chairman for Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
