Jos, Plateau State – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to religious tolerance, stating that he never compelled his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, to convert to Islam.
The President made this declaration during the funeral service of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, held in Jos, Plateau State.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu reflected on his interfaith marriage, emphasizing that despite being born a Muslim, he chose to marry a Christian, Pastor Oluremi Tinubu, without any attempt to influence her faith.
“Hate is not an option for us,” Tinubu said. “I was born a Muslim and inherited Islam from my parents, but I have never tried to convert my wife. She prays for me and with me, without conflict. I believe in the freedom of religion — we are all praying to the same God.”
The President used the occasion to urge Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, and mutual respect, regardless of religious or ethnic differences. He emphasized that love and understanding are the only pathways toward national stability and development.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid rising cases of religious tension and violence across parts of the country, sparking renewed calls for interfaith harmony.
Meanwhile, residents in several northern communities, including Sokoto State, have appealed to the Federal Government to strengthen local security measures. They urged the government to grant direct funding to local governments to enable them to equip community security outfits for quick responses to attacks.
Sokoto has remained one of the worst-hit states by banditry, with terror groups such as the Lakurawa and Bello Turji gangs wreaking havoc across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe Local Government Areas.
Residents lamented that government interventions have not provided sufficient protection, with many communities now considering self-defense as a last resort if the authorities fail to act.
we don hear