We Must Work Tirelessly to Preserve Nigeria unity – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his dedication to national unity, religious tolerance, and interfaith harmony, stating that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking with journalists following his attendance at the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at St Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
Tinubu attended the ceremony at the personal invitation of the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, who was formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. Reflecting on the occasion, the President said Nigeria’s unity is a continuous endeavour that requires collective nurturing.
“It is consistent in the true sense of unity in diversity, and I am greatly honoured,” Tinubu said. “We have to continue to work on it, it’s a work in progress for the sake of our country and the continent as a whole.”
The event marked the formal commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, following his election by the College of Cardinals 27 days after the death of Pope Francis. The new Pope has longstanding personal ties to Nigeria, having previously served at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. This connection reportedly influenced his decision to extend a personal invitation to President Tinubu.
One of the most notable moments of the day came during an impromptu and warm exchange between President Tinubu and two prominent opposition figures, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Fayemi spotted the President among the dignitaries and encouraged Obi to join him in greeting Tinubu.
In a moment of levity, Fayemi remarked, “Mr President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
To which Tinubu responded with humour: “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.”
Obi replied with a laugh: “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”