By David Torough, Abuja

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and key stakeholders as part of efforts to address the country’s security, economic and governance challenges.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said sustained dialogue with religious groups, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens remained critical to promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.

In a statement personally signed by him following recent engagements between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Akume said the administration would continue broad consultations on issues affecting the country, while maintaining an open-door policy anchored on accountability and evidence-based governance.

He also dismissed suggestions that the Tinubu administration was pursuing a one-party state, insisting that the government remained committed to constitutional democracy, political pluralism and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akume said discussions between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops were candid and constructive, covering concerns about security, economic hardship, education, healthcare, electoral credibility, public services, political pluralism and religious freedom. He noted that both parties also acknowledged achievements of the administration, including the student loan scheme and the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers by security agencies.

While acknowledging the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians, the SGF described the hardship as temporary, saying ongoing reforms were aimed at correcting structural weaknesses, restoring macroeconomic stability and attracting investment. He cited infrastructure projects, food security initiatives, improvements in electricity supply, healthcare upgrades and regional development commissions as evidence of the government’s commitment to long-term growth.

According to Akume, official economic indicators showed improving foreign exchange stability, moderating inflation and increasing investor confidence, adding that the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on lowering the cost of living, creating jobs and expanding access to quality public services.

He highlighted programmes such as the Social Investment Programmes, Credit Corps, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), support for business start-ups and Conditional Cash Transfers as measures designed to ensure that the benefits of economic reforms reached ordinary Nigerians.

On security, Akume acknowledged that protecting lives remained the government’s foremost responsibility, noting that new Army divisions had been established in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states to strengthen operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. He also pointed to reforms in intelligence coordination, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare, as well as the creation of the Office of Homeland Security, as part of efforts to improve national security.

The SGF reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to democracy, saying Nigeria’s political system guaranteed genuine multi-party competition, lawful opposition and credible elections. He cited the registration of 21 political parties by INEC as evidence of political pluralism and reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to respect the commission’s legal independence.

Akume also praised the Catholic Church for its longstanding contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian services and peacebuilding, describing it as a vital development partner. He stressed that while the government and the Church might differ on some policy issues, both shared the common objective of ensuring peace, unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.

He added that the Federal Government would continue to welcome constructive advice from respected national institutions, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between government and faith-based organisations would contribute to building a more resilient and prosperous nation.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Nasarawa State has expressed confidence that the party would win the governorship seat and other elective positions in the 2027 general elections with a landslide victory.

Abdullahi Ari, SDP Nasarawa South Zonal Chairman, stated this during a solidarity visit to Mohammed Adamu-Omadefu, member representing Keana Constituency at the State House of Assembly, in Lafia on Tuesday.

Ari led some state SDP officials, the Keana Local Government Area SDP Chairman, and 10 ward chairmen of the party in Keana LGA on the visit.

The zonal chairman said: “The party enjoys grassroots support and wider acceptance across the state and is poised to take over the state in 2027.

He said the visit was to identify with Adamu-Omadefu and to assure him of the party’s support to enable him win a third term in 2027.

Ari added that the visit was also to discuss strategies to move the party forward in the constituency and across the state.

“By God’s grace, retired IGP Mohammed Abubakar-Adamu, our governorship candidate, will win the governorship seat in 2027. This is because he has grassroots support across the state,” he said.

The zonal chairman also said: “The lawmaker, Adamu-Omadefu will be elected for a third term in 2027 because he has done well and is still doing his best for the development of Keana LGA.”

Ari urged party executives and members to remain united and embrace teamwork for the progress and development of the party.

Responding, Adamu-Omadefu appreciated the party executives for the visit and assured them of his support and commitment to teamwork for the victory of the party in the state beyond 2027.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that retired IGP Abubakar-Adamu and the SDP would secure a landslide victory in Nasarawa state in 2027.

He said he joined the party to add value to its progress and to ensure its victory in 2027.

Adamu-Omadefu called on party executives and stakeholders to sensitise members and drum up support for the party’s victory.

SDP Chairman, Keana LGA, Ibrahim Ogiri, assured Adamu-Omadefu of the cooperation and support of party executives in the area to ensure his success.

Ogiri said the party executives in the area would continue to work in unity for the victory of the party beyond 2027 and called on members to work tirelessly for the victory of retired IGP Abubakar-Adamu, Adamu-Omadefu, and other SDP candidates in 2027.

The visit had in attendance Jerry Alex, State SDP Youth Leader, and Yusuf Salihu, State SDP Welfare Officer, among others.

Jerry Adams, the newly nominated running mate to Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna for the 2027 election has received a grand homecoming reception in his hometown Moro’a in Kaura Local Government Area.

Speaking at the reception on Tuesday, Adams expressed gratitude to God and Gov.

Adams thanked the people of Kaura local government area and entire Southern Kaduna for the homecoming reception and support shown to him.

Adams called for unity of purpose and sense of responsibility among the people of Kaura local government area.

“I call on every member and resident of Kaura to unite and give full support to Gov. Uba Sani’s administration as we work together for progress, development, and a brighter future for the people of Kaduna state” he said.

In his remarks, Obadiah Sankyai, the Chairman of Kaura local government, thanked Gov. Sani for choosing an illustrious son of the area to be his deputy in the 2027 general election.

Sankyai said the governor didn’t make a mistake in his choice, as Adams is a man with a proven track record, integrity, capacity, and the ability to touch the lives of people around him.

He further appreciated all stakeholders and other party faithfuls who made the nomination possible, as shown in the wide acceptance of the governor’s choice.

In their separate remarks, the three royal fathers of Kagoro, Moro’a and Takad chiefdoms gave their royal blessings to their son and promised to continue to pray for his success and a peaceful Kaduna state.