President Bola Tinubu has defended the integrity of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC which he claimed is neutral despite appointing its chairman, Prof. Joash Onipitan.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu stated this when he received the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, where he dismissed opposition concerns over electoral integrity.
According to him, INEC had been neutral. “The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me”.
He disclosed ongoing restructuring, enhanced intelligence, better logistics, and improved personnel welfare within security institutions will defeat terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings in Nigeria.
Tinubu also announced the expansion of the armed forces, procurement of equipment, and construction of new barracks nationwide.
The Nigerian leader highlighted the uninterrupted academic calendar in universities, noting that ASUU is not on strike, which he termed an “answered prayer”.
He confirmed the approval of more universities, the utilization of NUC statistics for NELFUND budgeting, and noted that state governors hold the constitutional authority to return mission schools.
The president, stressed that unity, stability, and the country’s diversity must be held sacrosanct by all stakeholders and the need for Nigerians to uphold democratic tenets irrespective of political persuasions.
He called on the CBCN and all religious leaders to actively condemn violent attacks, guide their members, and support government efforts to end insurgency.
“We don’t have another Country but here – this Nigeria. And I will refer to the national anthem that in our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all, and humanity.
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment, building new barracks.
“We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem,’’ the President added.
The delegation was led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, who also
Earlier, the President of the CBCN appreciated the President for the warm reception extended to the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of relations between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Ndagoso outlined areas of concern in the country, which include security, quality tertiary education and limited spaces, sustaining gains of democracy, credi
ble elections and poverty.
