Tinubu’s reforms painful but necessary – RTIFN Patron

A Kaduna-based cleric and National Patron, Religious Affairs of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), Dr Emmanuel Simon, has described the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as difficult but necessary for addressing the country’s longstanding economic challenges.

Simon, in an Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful, saying the country was gradually laying the foundation for economic recovery. Blueprint reports

He said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers and an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to national unity, peace and development. Blueprint reports

According to him, Nigeria’s challenges should not obscure the progress being made or diminish citizens’ faith in the country’s future.

“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,” he said.

Reforms require patience

Simon acknowledged the hardship experienced by Nigerians as a result of some of the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange regime.

However, he argued that the measures were aimed at correcting structural weaknesses that had affected the economy for years.

He described the reforms as difficult interventions required to stabilise the country, citing initiatives including the Renewed Hope infrastructure programme, student loan scheme, local government autonomy and investments in agriculture and security.

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

The cleric urged the government to ensure that the gains from its policies eventually translate into improved living conditions for ordinary Nigerians, stressing that citizens would need to see tangible benefits from the reform process.

He also appealed to Nigerians to give the policies sufficient time to produce results while contributing positively to the development of the country.

Clerics urged to promote unity

Simon also called on religious leaders across the country to play a more active role in promoting peace and strengthening national cohesion.

He said Nigeria’s religious diversity should be treated as an opportunity to build understanding rather than a source of division.

“At 66, we must move beyond religious tolerance to genuine religious harmony. We must use our pulpits and our prayer grounds not to divide, but to preach peace, hard work, patriotism and national rebirth,” he said.

He urged Christians, Muslims and adherents of other faiths to complement prayers for the country with practical efforts that would contribute to national development.

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

The cleric further appealed to religious leaders to avoid messages capable of inflaming hatred, particularly as the country continues to contend with security concerns, economic hardship and social divisions.

Call for interfaith engagement

Simon directed members of RTIFN across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to use the Independence anniversary as an opportunity to organise interfaith prayers and community engagements centred on peace and development.

He urged members to spread messages of hope and national unity while encouraging citizens to remain committed to Nigeria despite the difficulties confronting the country.

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

Simon also stressed that nation-building should not be left entirely to government, urging citizens to take personal responsibility for the future of the country.

He called for forgiveness, mutual respect and greater cooperation among Nigerians, saying the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes would only be meaningful if citizens worked collectively to build a better country.

“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 concluded by praying for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria and for the success of the country’s leadership, urging Nigerians to use the 66th Independence anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.