George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), says the President Bola Tinubu administration will strengthen its engagement with Catholic bishops.

He also rejected claims that the administration is bent on making the country a one-party state.

In a statement on Wednesday, Akume said most of Nigeria’s challenges require collaboration between government, faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens.

The SGF said the government will strengthen engagement with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and other stakeholders to address the country’s challenges.

The statement follows recent engagement between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the CBCN.

Akume said the government would continue consultations with the Catholic bishops and other faith-based organisations on issues affecting the country.

He added that the Tinubu-led administration remained open to honest counsel and committed to governing with accountability.

“Many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development. Constructive engagement between Government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential,” the statement reads.

Addressing concerns about Nigeria’s democracy, Akume said the Tinubu administration remained committed to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and political pluralism.

He rejected suggestions that the government was pursuing a one-party state, citing the registration of 21 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as evidence of political pluralism.

“The federal government neither sought nor supported a one-party state,” the statement reads.

The SGF said the administration would continue to respect the legal autonomy of INEC and provide resources appropriated for the commission’s responsibilities.

Akume said the government had noted public reactions to the meeting between Tinubu and the Catholic bishops.

According to him, the meeting covered concerns about security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.

He added that both parties also acknowledged progress recorded by the administration, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

Akume said while there were areas of agreement and disagreement during the discussions, the differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect or commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity.

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