- Charismatic Bishops demand swift action on Benue, Plateau security crisis
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Presidency has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, national development, and security across Nigeria.
Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communication, Daniel Bwala, gave the assurance during a meeting on Friday with a delegation from the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the State House, Abuja.
While acknowledging the bishops’ concerns and reiterating the administration’s openness to feedback, the presidential aide assured that Tinubu remains focused on equitable and unbiased governance.
“This government is committed to the security and welfare of all Nigerians, as enshrined in the Constitution”, he said.
Responding to concerns about political appointments, Bwala reiterated that the President does not view appointments through religious or ethnic lenses.
“He is guided by fairness and a commitment to inspire hope among all Nigerians,” he noted.
On the security situation, he stressed that Tinubu has resolved to confront all forms of criminality—banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, and domestic violence—without prejudice.
“The directive is clear: all crimes must be met with decisive action. There is no tolerance for evil,” he said.
Bwala further underscored the federal government’s continuous cooperation with state governors, particularly in violence-affected regions such as Benue, Plateau, and Zamfara, aimed at addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.
Using a pastoral analogy, he compared the fight against crime to a battle of spiritual warfare: “Just as pastors must continually pray and cast out spirits, the government must persistently battle emerging threats.”
Regarding economic policy, Bwala defended the removal of fuel subsidies, explaining that it has enabled greater budget allocations to states for salaries and infrastructure development.
He highlighted programs such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the increased NYSC stipends as evidence of positive progress.
Although he refrained from commenting on the National Assembly, Bwala reaffirmed his respect for the independence of the legislative and judicial branches, in accordance with constitutional principles.
The presidential aide accepted an invitation to speak at the upcoming Synod and committed to delivering the bishops’ letter to the President.
“Nigeria needs the active involvement of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and others—in governance,” he said.
Earlier, led by CBCN Secretary General, Bishop Chivir Chianson, the delegation presented a comprehensive concerns, with a major emphasis on the escalating security crisis in Benue and Plateau states.
They also used the occasion to formally announce the 2025 Synod of the Conference, which is expected to attract over 600 bishops from Nigeria and 36 other countries. The Synod will focus on themes of leadership, faith, and nation-building.
Chianson expressed the CBCN’s strong support for President Tinubu, praising his inclusive appointments and bold policy initiatives. He singled out the removal of the fuel subsidy as a particularly courageous and necessary decision.
“When is the right time to remove a cancer?” he asked rhetorically, endorsing the President’s economic reform agenda.
Chianson also recounted distressing reports of violence in Benue and Plateau states, condemning the ongoing killings, displacement of communities, and destruction of churches.
“Our pastors are being murdered, churches burned, and people forced to flee. This is not just politics, this is war,” he declared.
Although the bishops stopped short of calling for emergency rule, they urgently appealed for decisive federal intervention.
“If people are being killed weekly and security forces only respond after the fact, we are already living in a state of emergency,” Chianson warned.
Despite these grim circumstances, the bishop reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting the government’s peace initiatives, pledging continued prayers and active backing.
“Mr. President, whatever it takes to stop the bloodshed, do it and we will stand by you,” he assured.
The delegation formally requested a courtesy visit with the President and extended an invitation for him to deliver the keynote address at the 2025 Synod on Politics and Christianity in Contemporary Times: A Correlation Analysis.