The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has no intention of turning Nigeria into a one-party state.
Akume said the Federal Government remains committed to democracy, political pluralism and healthy competition among political parties.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the SGF stressed that the administration respects the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and will continue to support the commission in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He noted that Nigeria’s democratic system guarantees multi-party politics, credible elections, lawful opposition and the freedom of citizens to participate in the political process.
According to him, the recent registration of 21 political parties by INEC clearly shows that the government is not working towards a one-party system.
Akume also maintained that security agencies have conducted themselves professionally during elections and that their activities have been observed by both local and international monitors.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and equal rights for all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
The SGF said the government values constructive criticism and will continue to listen to genuine concerns raised by religious leaders and other stakeholders.
He added that no responsible government should ignore the voices of its people.
Akume further disclosed that the Federal Government would continue consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on national issues.
He explained that collaboration between government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and the private sector remains essential to promoting peace, national unity and development.
According to him, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will sustain dialogue with the Catholic bishops and other groups to strengthen cooperation in the country’s interest.
Akume also addressed reactions to the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, saying the discussions were respectful, frank and constructive.
He said both sides discussed issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.
The meeting also acknowledged some of the administration’s achievements, including the student loan scheme and recent security successes, particularly the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
The SGF noted that while the government and the bishops may differ on some issues, those differences should not be interpreted as a lack of mutual respect or commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.
