By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the ongoing recalibration of the country’s security architecture will begin to yield positive results in the near future.
The President gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said his administration remains committed to the establishment of state and community police as part of efforts to transform Nigeria’s security landscape. He called on CAN to collaborate with the government in achieving the nation’s collective aspirations, noting that some of the measures being implemented require time to deliver results.
“The mood of the nation is peaceful, although our ungoverned spaces are large. The challenge is real, but we will surmount it. We are a very religious people and prayer warriors. We need your focus, vigilance and cooperation,” the President said.
He explained that community and state policing would become a reality once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative processes. Tinubu also highlighted challenges in acquiring military hardware, describing them as expensive and not readily available.
“Our orders for four attack helicopters from the United States will take some time to arrive. We have also approached Turkey for assistance,” he said.
The President acknowledged that delays in delivering key security equipment have affected public perception of the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity, but stressed that the government remains resolute in its efforts to restore peace and prosperity, despite the tactics of bandits and insurgents.
Commenting on the recent abduction and release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi states, Tinubu urged citizens to remain vigilant, adding that details surrounding the release were secondary to the safe return of the children.
“The rhetoric on how the children were released or what happened to the kidnappers is secondary; the end justifies the means,” he said.
In his response, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh assured the President of the association’s support, describing him as the leader of the nation whom the Church stands ready to back.
“You are our President. The Church has no choice but to support you and your administration,” Okoh said.
He also acknowledged the receipt of palliatives provided to the association during religious festivals and beyond, and commended Tinubu for his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
“We acknowledge that the task before you is daunting, but we are assured of your sagacity. The Christian community is committed to ensuring that you succeed,” he said.
Archbishop Okoh added that the President’s engagement had strengthened relations between the government and the Church, describing it as unprecedented. He, however, appealed for direct engagement with CAN’s representatives through its structures in all 774 local government areas and requested the release of funds to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board to enable it to carry out its mandate.
Other members of the CAN delegation included the Vice President of CAN, Rev. Dr Stephen Panya Baba; President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; and representatives of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, the Catholic and Methodist blocs, as well as the CAN Chairman in Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite.
