President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, has said President Bola Tinubu inherited a mismanaged economy, noting that the ongoing reforms are aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges.
Akanji spoke on Friday in Abuja at a press conference heralding the 113th Nigerian Baptist Convention.
He acknowledged that the reforms have caused hardship for Nigerians, but said the administration deserves commendation for its efforts to mitigate the impact.
According to him, the reforms are designed to revive the economy for the benefit of all citizens.
“However, we strongly suggest that the three tiers of government must be strictly monitored to ensure adequate implementation of the policies,” he said.
Akanji urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in addressing the economic and security challenges facing the country.
“We are making this request in spite of not being unmindful of the global wars which have continued to affect every part of the world adversely,” he added.
He also called on political office holders to focus on governance and the welfare of citizens as the 2027 general elections approach.
“I don’t think it will be realistic to tell our current leaders to take their eyes off politics when 2027 is seriously knocking at our door,” he said.
“However, we need to tell them to continue to focus on governance and finding ways out of the current economic hardship and security challenges in our land. Whoever does his work well now need not fear the coming 2027 elections, because the people’s work will speak for them.
“We are at the verge of the electioneering season in the country; it is imperative to urge our politicians to play the game according to the rules, and to shun all forms of violence and electoral malpractice. As one of our former leaders said, our political ambition is not worth the blood of anyone. Hence, we also implore INEC to maintain neutrality and ensure the conduct of free, fair, and credible polls.”
On the 113th annual convention, Akanji said the event would begin on Saturday in Abuja with the theme *“Entering into Newness through the Fruit and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”*
He said thousands of delegates from across the country are expected to attend the gathering.
“It is a time of revival, worship, and prayer for our country, presenting the reports of our stewardship, conducting appraisals, and planning for the coming years of our denomination. Almighty God will accept our prayers under corporate anointing, grant us understanding of His word, and make our annual gathering a blessing to our nation and to us,” he said.
Akanji also urged the three arms of government to sustain religious freedom in the country, noting that Nigeria’s diversity requires continuous dialogue and respect for human dignity.
