President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace peace and reject hatred, stressing that intolerance has no place in the nation.
Speaking on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State, during the funeral of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu appealed to religious leaders to lead efforts in fostering national unity.
He emphasised that hatred should never be an option, citing his own marriage as an example of religious tolerance. “I was born into Islam and have remained a Muslim, while my wife is a Christian pastor. She prays for me, and we have never experienced any conflict over faith. I have never attempted to convert her,” he stated.
Tinubu added, “This moment must serve as an opportunity to build the unity we need. To the clergy, I say thank you for promoting peace. Hate is not an option. We must love one another. Nobody decides what God has ordained. We all pray to the same God and are accountable to Him.”
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for attending the burial. Other dignitaries present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.