NIGERIA: Tinubu Assures Northern Christians Of Fairness, Pays Tribute to APC Chairman’s Late Mother In Jos

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness, unity, and religious inclusion, assuring Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of equitable treatment under his government.

Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State, the President said that his mission is to unite Nigeria and ensure its prosperity.

President Tinubu also paid glowing tribute to the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who passed away at the age of 83.

Reflecting on his personal experience of religious tolerance, Tinubu said: “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.”

The President urged the clergy to maintain faith in his administration’s leadership, emphasizing the shared responsibility of religious and political leaders to manage diversity for national benefit.

Addressing the issue of insecurity, Tinubu expressed confidence that his administration was winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes.

He added: “We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes.”

He also noted that economic reforms were underway to ensure inclusive growth and improve living standards across all regions of the country.

During the funeral service, Tinubu described the late matriarch as a “devoted mother and humanitarian” whose life reflected faith and community service.

He recalled his past visits to Jos, reminiscing about the city’s political history and its role in shaping Nigeria’s democracy.

The APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, while eulogizing his late mother, described her.

He said: “ Late Nana Lydia Yilwatdahard is a working woman who lived on medication for 47 years but continued to provide support and humanitarian assistance.”

He expressed gratitude to the President for attending the funeral and for entrusting him with leadership responsibilities within the party.

Reverend Dr. Amos Mohzo, President of COCIN, also thanked President Tinubu for his support of Northern Christians and his inclusive appointments, noting that key figures such as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and Professor Yilwatda were testaments to that commitment.

Dr. Mohzo also appealed to the President to continue addressing insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and to assist displaced Christian communities in the Northeast who fled insurgency. He assured the President of the church’s unwavering support for his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event was attended by prominent political and religious figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several ministers, governors, and former leaders.