Tinubu’s Reforms Tough But Necessary To Save Nigeria – RTIFN Patron

The National Patron, Religious Affairs of the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), Dr Emmanuel Simon, has described the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as tough but necessary, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s economic recovery.

Simon stated this in his message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

He said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and renew their commitment to national unity, peace, patriotism and development.

Simon said Nigeria, at 66, had faced economic challenges, insecurity and moments of uncertainty but remained on the path of recovery.

He said, “Today, we do not just celebrate a date; we celebrate a covenant. A covenant of freedom bought with sacrifice, of unity forged in diversity, and of hope that has refused to die despite our many trials as a nation.

“Sixty-six years in the life of a nation is still a young age. We have faced economic storms, insecurity and moments of doubt. But I stand today to assure Nigerians, with all sense of responsibility, that Nigeria is on the path of recovery.

“I call on all Nigerians to relax; Tinubu is fixing Nigeria.”

The RTIFN patron acknowledged the hardship associated with some of the Federal Government’s economic policies but said the measures were required to address longstanding structural problems.

He said, “The reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be painful, but they are necessary surgeries to save a bleeding nation.”

Simon cited fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, the Renewed Hope infrastructure drive, students’ loan scheme, local government autonomy and investments in agriculture and security as measures aimed at laying the foundation for a new Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to give the reform process time while calling on the government to ensure that the benefits of its policies eventually reached ordinary citizens.

“As people of faith, we understand that rebuilding takes time. Let us be patient. Let us support this administration with our prayers, our constructive counsel, and our unwavering belief in the Nigerian project,” he said.

Simon also called for greater cooperation among Nigeria’s religious communities, saying religious leaders had an important role to play in promoting peace and national cohesion.

According to him, Nigeria must move beyond religious tolerance to genuine religious harmony, with religious leaders using their pulpits and prayer grounds to promote peace, hard work, patriotism and national rebirth.

He urged Christians, Muslims and other Nigerians to complement their prayers with practical efforts towards improving the country.

“Our prayers for Nigeria must be accompanied by our positive actions for Nigeria,” he said.

The cleric further urged religious leaders to discourage messages capable of fuelling hatred and division, particularly as the country confronts security and economic challenges.

Simon called on members of RTIFN across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to use the Independence anniversary to organise interfaith prayers and community engagements focused on peace and national development.

He charged members of the organisation to “preach the message of hope, not despair; of unity, not division” and encourage citizens to remain committed to the Nigerian project.

He said, “Let us go out and tell Nigerians that our best days are not behind us; our best days are ahead of us.”

Simon also urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the country’s future rather than leaving the task of nation-building solely to government.

“Let us forgive each other, love each other and work together. Let the labours of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said.

He prayed for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria, saying, “May God heal our land. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. May God bless RTIFN.”

He urged Nigerians to use the 66th Independence anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and united country.