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

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.
READ ALSO:
- Electricity: TCN blocks access to data from DisCos
- Customs seize 1,149 jerry cans of petrol in Taraba
- 10 ex-Buhari’s ministers to dump APC for SDP
“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
metro
Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp for lack of courtesy – Alia

Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp for lack of courtesy – Alia
Peter Obi and Governor Hyacinth Alia has given a reason for his blocking major opposition figure Peter Obi from visiting the IDP camp in Benue.
Mr Alia accused the Labour Party leader of violating standard protocols by failing to inform the governor ahead of his visit as courtesy demands.
Mr Alia, in an interview with TVC on Thursday, said Mr Obi was blocked from visiting the Benue IDP camp because his “intention” was unknown, and he violated protocols by not informing him in advance.
“A very respected Peter Obi was a governor. If you are coming into someone’s state, there are protocols. Very high personality; you are coming into someone’s state, and your party does not even know you are coming.
“I, the sitting governor, did not know you were coming. Then you are going into where I’m protecting even the most, the IDP camp. It’s my duty to protect them. They’ve been displaced. I need to protect them even some more. I don’t know the intent you have,” Mr Alia explained.
READ ALSO:
- Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack in Wulgo
- Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp
- Troops capture wanted bandit, recover cache of ammunition
He added, “Is it not courteous enough for me to know as a sitting governor and even to provide more security to you and prepare the minds of the IDPs that a guest is coming to visit them?”
The governor denied claims that he was unreachable when the former Anambra called to inform him of his visit.
“No, that’s not the right narrative. I can never politicise that. I’m the one bearing the brunt, pain and sorrows of the IDPs in my state,” Mr Alia stated. “No. That’s not the true story. If he (Mr Obi) couldn’t reach me, I have a chief of staff, I have an SSG, (and) I have a PPS. That’s not true.”
Last week, Mr Alia said he could not guarantee the safety of any individual or group visiting Benue without his knowledge or clearance, barring Mr Obi from visiting the state.
However, Mr Obi expressed displeasure at how Mr Alia’s government allegedly politicised his planned visit to the troubled Benue.
Obi lied, I blocked him from visiting IDP camp for lack of courtesy – Alia
metro
Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack in Wulgo

Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack in Wulgo
Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has expressed his deepest condolences to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) following the recent Boko Haram assault in Wulgo, a border town with Cameroon.
Governor Zulum made the visit on Thursday to Cameroonian troops under Sector 1 of the MNJTF, where he also extended sympathies to both the government and citizens of Cameroon over the devastating attack.
In Wulgo, located roughly 15 kilometers from Gamboru Ngala, the Governor was welcomed by Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, the Force Commander of the MNJTF.
“I am here to commiserate with you, and with the government and people of the Republic of Cameroon, over the recent unfortunate incident. I wish to salute your bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the region,” stated Governor Zulum.
READ ALSO:
- Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp
- Troops capture wanted bandit, recover cache of ammunition
- Police arrest two Kano men with N150m tramadol
The Governor also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the MNJTF and Cameroon in their fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad region.
“The Government of Nigeria will explore all possible avenues to complement the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the government of Cameroon to bring lasting stability to the Lake Chad basin,” he assured.
Alongside the Federal Government’s support, Governor Zulum pledged additional assistance from Borno State to the troops operating in the region.
The Governor was accompanied by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan of Borno Central, Special Advisers Hon. Idrissa Jidda and Hon. Mustapha Dalatu, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas, Chairman of the Borno State Social Investment Programme, the Chairman of Ngala Local Government Area, and his Principal Private Secretary.
Zulum meets with Cameroonian troops after deadly Boko Haram attack in Wulgo
metro
Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp

Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday delivered its judgment in the appeal filed by Meta Platforms Incorporated (Facebook) and WhatsApp LLC against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), affirming the Commission’s authority and actions in nearly all the contested issues.
A statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs of FCCPC, said the Tribunal specifically determined that the Commission complied with prevailing laws, discharged its mandate, and exercised its powers within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
It ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings.
“In addition to upholding the major aspects of the FCCPC’s Final Order, the Tribunal awarded the sum of $220 million against Meta Platforms Incorporated and WhatsApp LLC as an administrative penalty, and further awarded $35,000 to the FCCPC as cost of investigation.
“The tribunal’s three-member panel was led by Honorable Thomas Okosun,” the statement said.
WhatsApp and Meta’s legal team was led by Professor Gbolahan Elias (SAN) while the FCCPC’s legal team was led by Mr. Babatunde Irukera. Both teams had made their final arguments on behalf of their respective clients on January 28, 2025.
PlatinumPost reports that FCCPC had on on July 19, 2024, issued a Final Order imposing a $220 million administrative penalty after concluding that the companies engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.
READ ALSO:
- Troops capture wanted bandit, recover cache of ammunition
- Police arrest two Kano men with N150m tramadol
- 2027: Ex-IGP Adamu eyes Nasarawa governorship
- Court urged to halt further release of LG allocations to Rivers State
The case arose from a 38-month joint investigation initiated by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into the conduct, privacy practices, and consumer data policies of Meta Platforms and WhatsApp.
Dissatisfied with the Order last year, Meta and WhatsApp appealed to the Tribunal, challenging both the legal basis and the findings of the Commission.
While ruling on Meta’s appeal, the Tribunal also validated the Commission’s investigative procedures and processes.
The Tribunal resolved Issues 1 to 7 largely in favour of the FCCPC, dismissing the appellants’ objections to the Commission’s findings, orders, and legal competence.
One of the central issues (Issue 3) which alleged a breach of fair hearing, was decided in favour of the Commission, with the Tribunal affirming that the FCCPC fully discharged its quasi-judicial responsibilities by affording the appellants ample opportunity to respond.
The Tribunal found no violation of constitutional due process.
On Issue 4, which questioned the Commission’s powers in matters of data protection and privacy, the Tribunal held that the FCCPC acted within its statutory mandate, reaffirming its authority under Section 104 of the FCCPA to regulate competition and consumer protection even in regulated industries.
READ ALSO:
- Benue: Seven killed by suspected herdsmen in midnight attack
- I’m honoured, excited over World Bank’s appointment – Dangote
- Akpabio to represent Tinubu at Pope Francis funeral
On Issue 5, which challenged the Commission’s findings regarding Meta’s privacy policies, the tribunal also resolved in the FCCPC’s favour. The Tribunal found no error in the Commission’s conclusions and held that the privacy policy in question did, in fact, offend Nigerian law.
While Issue 7 was largely resolved in favour of the Commission, the Tribunal set aside Order 7 of the Commission’s Final Order, stating that it lacked sufficient legal basis.
While expressing delight at the landmark judgement, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, thanked the Commission’s legal team for their exceptional diligence and forensic skills in assembling evidence and marshalling their argument.
He restated FCCPC’s unwavering commitment to not only championing the rights of Nigerian consumers but also ensuring fair business practices in the country in accordance with FCCPA (2018) and consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tribunal upholds Nigerian government $220m fine against Facebook, WhatsApp
-
metro14 hours ago
Omokri : How Tinubu’s political mastery started with Abiola, says El-Rufai, Obi’s forces can’t stop him
-
metro3 days ago
I’m not in supremacy battle with Ooni, says new Alaafin
-
Education8 hours ago
JAMB officials seize candidates’ hijab at Caleb varsity, Muslim students kick
-
Entertainment2 days ago
P-Square: Jude Okoye freed after two months detention
-
International8 hours ago
US releases 41 countries granted 90-day entry without visas (full list)
-
Politics2 days ago
Labour Party collapses into APC in Plateau
-
Business3 days ago
Nigeria’s gas production increases by 15.6% to 227,931.65 mscf
-
metro2 days ago
Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash