The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, has urged religious leaders to treat peacebuilding as a core element of national security, stressing the role of social cohesion and responsible public speech as the country heads into a contentious election year.
Speaking at the 12th Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu, lauded the church’s humanitarian work and its contribution to national cohesion and moral formation.
“National security cannot be the responsibility of soldiers, police officers and intelligence agencies alone,” SGF Akume said.
“Security also begins with trust, social cohesion, early warning and responsible speech.”
He urged the Bishops to use their influence to prevent violence and to refrain from turning the pulpit into a tool for incitement.
Akume outlined the government’s economic priorities while acknowledging public hardship tied to reform efforts.
He said the administration accepts that reforms have brought “inevitable pains” and praised citizens for their resilience.
“This government is focusing on recovery of household incomes from poverty,” he said, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda aims to deliver affordable food, jobs, improved infrastructure and better health services.
Citing recent security operations, SGF Akume said intelligence-led efforts have yielded gains, including the rescue in August of 308 abducted people from Kwara and Niger states.
He however warned that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence remain pervasive challenges that require broader civic engagement.
With general elections scheduled for 2027, Akume asked religious leaders to protect democratic norms rather than pick winners.
“Elections will come and go, but Nigeria must remain,” he said.
The SGF called on the church to denounce vote-buying, hate speech and the weaponization of ethnicity or religion, and to promote peaceful, conscientious participation.
Akume also outlined plans to expand social programmes in education, health and social protection while simplifying the fiscal regime and providing relief to vulnerable citizens.
“We will keep listening; correct what needs correction; protect the vulnerable; strengthen accountability; and ensure that the benefits of reform are increasingly felt across the federation,” he said.
SGF Akume further urged collaboration between government and religious bodies on youth empowerment, civic responsibility and humanitarian service, and declared the synod open.
