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My wife is a pastor, can’t be Bigot, Tinubu tells Catholic bishops

Published

1 year ago

March 15, 2025

Tinubu: Nigerian Youths Could Vote Me Out If I Fail to Fix Economy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

My wife is a pastor, can’t be Bigot, Tinubu tells Catholic bishops

President Bola Tinubu has assured the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) that he harbours no religious bias and that his administration is focused on national development beyond religious divisions.

Tinubu, in a meeting with the Catholic bishops on Friday in Abuja, reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and development.

The president said that poverty affects all Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation, adding that his administration’s economic reforms including the removal of fuel subsidy were necessary to build a resilient nation and secure the future of the younger generations.

Tinubu’s remarks came less than 24 hours after he rebuked the clerics over concerns they raised regarding worsening insecurity and youth employment, among others, in the country.

He stressed that security agencies were actively curtailing insecurity. He noted that poverty transcends religious lines and called for unity in addressing the country’s challenges.

“This insecurity, everyone is affected, Christians, Muslims alike. I have no religious bias; I won’t be a bigot. My wife is a pastor of Redeemed Christian Church. But we have to think of our country; this country must develop and must stand beyond religious bigotry. And I’m here open to you, ready to listen.

“We’ve been together for some time. We have an open-door policy. I will not shut my door,” said the president.

Tinubu added that he understands what Nigerians are going through, saying “Yes, removing the fuel subsidy was hard, tough for me, but it’s a hard choice that Nigeria must face. We are not going to bankrupt our country.

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“We were spending the investment of the future of our children yet unborn; We were spending their rights, and poverty has no religious basis. There’s no religious colouration, no identity. It affects all, and we must fight it together.”

He, however, noted that “There is hope; people are coming in to invest. They are saying good things about Nigeria. I am very proud of that. What seems to be a very difficult beginning is now showing us hope. And we are not half-time yet. I’m happy to see this period alive and healthy, and I am thankful to all of you for your prayers.”

Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri and the CBCN President, who led the delegation of 20 Bishops from across the country, said they were at the State House to congratulate President Tinubu on his victory, having not had the opportunity last year, and to commend him for his efforts to reposition the country and share some concerns.

“Your government’s policy mantra is anchored on the principles of Renewed Hope. In this regard, we are pleased to inform you that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has declared this year as the year of hope, the Jubilee Year of Hope, a theme we adopted for our conference. We came with the final fruits of our deliberations and will share them with you.”

He said the removal of fuel subsidies had undoubtedly affected the people and commended the tax reform initiative, which he believed would “generate, in the long run, more resources for advancing the common good.”

He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies to curtail insecurity in the land. Still, he urged for more concerted efforts to “rekindle hope and inspire confidence in the hearts of our people.”

Speaking on the recent closure of schools in the North by governors due to the ongoing Ramadan fast, the bishops called for a well-defined vision of religion as a force for moral integrity and patriotic unity without necessarily impinging on individuals’ fundamental rights.

According to them, “efforts should be made to ensure that religious practice in Nigeria fosters unity rather than division.”

On religious pilgrimages, the body said that the government should hands-off sponsorship to curtail waste and corruption.

“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages. In their current structure, the national and state pilgrims’ boards serve neither their adherents nor the broader interest of the nation. You’re undoubtedly aware of the instances of corruption that have led to the removal of some board executives to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.

“We would propose that public funds be redirected towards pressing national needs,” the CBCN president said.

The CBCN’s earlier communique, “The Jubilee Year of Hope: A Light for a New Nigeria,” had called on northern governors to withdraw orders closing schools during the Ramadan period.

Part of the communique reads, “We demand that those governments that ordered the closure of all schools in some parts of the country, withdraw such order in the light of the rights of the children to education and the multi-religious nature of our society We, as Church, promote integral education, health care and agriculture for individual and national development, and we require the enabling environment to play these roles among others.”

My wife is a pastor, can’t be Bigot, Tinubu tells Catholic bishops

Related Topics:Bigot bishops pastor Tinubu

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Two Arrested for Smoking on Air Peace Flight from South Africa – Police

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Two Arrested for Smoking on Air Peace Flight from South Africa – Police

The Lagos Airport Police Command has concluded plans to arraign two passengers accused of smoking and engaging in unruly conduct onboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, an incident that allegedly triggered the aircraft’s emergency smoke alarm and caused panic among passengers and crew. The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, ASP Mohammed Adeola, identifying the suspects as 51-year-old Enaruna Prince Aghama and 43-year-old Tony Ajayi. According to the police, Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel handed the two men over to officers at the International Airport Police Division after the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, for investigation, setting the stage for what could be a landmark prosecution of aviation safety violations in Nigeria.

Preliminary findings indicated that the incident occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while the aircraft was en route to Lagos. “Preliminary investigation revealed that at about 1944hrs on 9th July, 2026, while aboard an Air Peace flight from South Africa to Lagos, the suspects lit and smoked cigarettes inside the aircraft, an action which activated the aircraft’s smoke detection and emergency alarm system, causing panic and anxiety among passengers and cabin crew,” the statement read. The activation of the smoke alarm forced the crew to investigate and take action to ensure the safety of all onboard, creating a tense atmosphere as passengers became aware of the potential threat.

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Police further stated that investigators found the suspects were in possession of an alcoholic beverage and allegedly refused to cooperate with cabin crew members who attempted to enforce safety regulations. The statement added that the pair “became uncooperative and verbally aggressive when cabin crew members attempted to de-escalate the situation and enforce established safety regulations, thereby further disrupting the orderly conduct of the flight”. The suspects’ refusal to comply with crew instructions reportedly escalated the situation, requiring additional intervention from the flight crew to prevent further disruption.

The suspects were reportedly part of a group of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid ongoing tensions over xenophobic attacks. Their conduct, however, has drawn sharp condemnation from aviation authorities, who have made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated regardless of the circumstances. Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, condemned the alleged actions of the passengers, describing them as a threat to aviation safety. “Any act capable of compromising aviation safety or disrupting the orderly operation of an aircraft is unacceptable,” she said, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities view such violations.

Olufunke added that the command “remains committed to the strict enforcement of aviation security laws and the protection of the lives of passengers, crew members, and all airport users”. She also appealed to air travellers to comply with lawful instructions issued by airline operators and aviation officials, stressing that “maintaining discipline and orderly conduct aboard aircraft is a shared responsibility essential to safe air travel”. The police said the suspects would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation, with authorities signaling that a strong message would be sent to deter others from similar conduct in the future.

Two Arrested for Smoking on Air Peace Flight from South Africa – Police

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“I Just Learned I Filed for Divorce” – Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Breaks Silence

Published

10 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

“I Just Learned I Filed for Divorce” – Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Breaks Silence

Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has refuted reports alleging that she has initiated divorce proceedings against her husband, describing the claims as “entirely false” and “misinformation”. In a statement shared on her verified X account on Friday, Okwu-Kanu said she was compelled to respond following the circulation of what she described as false online reports claiming that she had filed for divorce. She wrote: “For the avoidance of doubt, I have not filed for divorce. The publication is entirely false and should be treated as misinformation”. Reacting to the rumours with a mixture of humour and dismissal, she posted on X: “Good conscious evening, my blessed Biafrans. I have just learned that I filed for Divorce while my husband is in prison”. The post, which included laughing emojis, appeared to mock the online reports that had claimed she filed for divorce following years of alleged infidelity, financial neglect, and family interference.

Okwu-Kanu lamented the spread of unverified stories about her family, saying it was disturbing that some individuals continued to circulate fabricated information without confirming the facts. According to her, such actions “undermine responsible journalism”. She also appealed to members of the public to obtain information concerning her only from her or through her authorised representatives, and expressed appreciation to those who reached out to verify the reports before sharing them. Her response has been widely shared across social media platforms, with many of her followers commending her for addressing the rumours directly and with dignity.

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Nnamdi Kanu and Uchechi Okwu-Kanu were married in 2009. The IPOB leader is currently serving a life sentence at the Sokoto Custodial Centre after being convicted on terrorism-related charges by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2025. The court found him guilty on all seven counts, sentencing him to life imprisonment on five counts, 20 years on one count and five years on another, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. The conviction has attracted widespread attention both within Nigeria and internationally, with human rights groups and political figures expressing concerns about the trial and the conditions of his detention.

Kanu has since challenged the judgment, filing a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal on February 4, 2026, seeking to overturn both his conviction and sentence. The appeal, which contains 22 grounds, alleges fundamental legal errors and a miscarriage of justice. Among the grounds, Kanu contends that the trial court delivered judgment while a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the charge and his bail application remained pending, and that he was convicted under a law that had been repealed. The appeal process is ongoing, and legal observers are closely watching to see whether the appellate court will grant Kanu’s request for a new trial or uphold the lower court’s decision.

“I Just Learned I Filed for Divorce” – Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Breaks Silence

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NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

Published

11 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

NIS Releases Step-by-Step Guide for Contactless Passport Renewal Abroad

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has released an updated step-by-step guide to help Nigerians living abroad renew their passports through its Contactless Passport Application System, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or high commission for biometric enrolment. The Service announced the update on its official X account, encouraging eligible Nigerians in the diaspora to take advantage of the digital platform, which simplifies passport renewal and reduces administrative barriers. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to digitise passport services, reduce processing delays, and improve access for Nigerians in the diaspora. Since its launch, the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System has successfully processed and issued over 15,000 passports to Nigerians abroad.

Application Process

According to the NIS, applicants are required to follow the steps below:

Visit the official NIS Passport Application portal
Click “Continue” from the pop-up window
Select “Apply for Renewal/Re-issue”
Create an account and verify identity using National Identification Number (NIN) and date of birth
Complete the application form and choose the preferred Nigerian embassy or high commission for processing
Upload all required supporting documents
Pay the passport booklet fee
Obtain the Application ID and Reference Number
Select the “Contactless” option under the “Application Status/Book Appointment” section
Review the instructions and click “I Understand and Opt In”
Download the NIS Mobile App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Sign in or create a profile on the app
Select “Passport Application Services” , then “Passport Biometrics Enrolment”
Enter the Application ID and Reference Number to check eligibility
If eligible, proceed with facial image capture, fingerprint enrolment, and liveness verification
Pay the contactless enrolment fee and submit biometric data electronically

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Eligibility and Exceptions

The contactless option is not available to all applicants. The NIS clarified that applicants who are declared ineligible during verification will be required to return to the application portal and schedule a physical appointment at their chosen embassy or high commission. According to the Service, an “INELIGIBLE” response means the applicant must complete the remaining process in person at the designated diplomatic mission. Those eligible for contactless renewal include Nigerians between 18 and 60 years, applicants with not more than six months to the expiration of their current passports, and those applying for re-issuance of existing passports.

Supporting Documents Still Required

Applicants who successfully complete remote biometric enrolment must still send the required documents to their selected processing mission. These include the printed application form, passport booklet payment receipt, biometric enrolment payment receipt, current passport, and a self-addressed return envelope.

Application Tracking

The NIS added that applicants can begin tracking their passport applications two weeks after submission through the online tracking platform at https://track.immigration.gov.ng or via the NIS Mobile App.

Technical Support

The NIS has acknowledged recent technical challenges encountered by some Nigerians in the diaspora while using the Contactless Biometric Passport Application System, assuring the public that its technical team is actively working to resolve these issues. Applicants who do not receive their payment One-Time Password (OTP) are advised to check their spam folders. For further assistance, applicants can reach the NIS Support Team through the following channels:

In-App Chat: Select “Support” → “Chat with Us”
Email: support@immigration.gov.ng
X (Twitter): @nigimmigration
Instagram: @nigimmigration, @nis_response
Facebook: @nigimmigration, @nis-response
Contact Center Numbers: 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)