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| Tinubu arrives, but Nigeria’s wounds run deep. |
President Bola Tinubu will stand among the faithful in St. Peter’s Square on May 18. He joins other leaders at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass. But many Nigerians say he does not deserve it.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) calls the invitation “morally bankrupt.” They point to months of deadly attacks on Christians, farmers, and villagers under Tinubu’s watch .
Violence has surged. Jihadist groups and armed herdsmen kill and abduct across Nigeria’s north and middle belt. Amnesty International reports over 2,500 civilian deaths in 2024 alone . The UN warns of growing mass abductions and community raids .
Intersociety’s lead researcher, Emeka Umeagbalasi, says many Christians have been “hacked to death” and driven from homes. He cites state-by-state spikes in attacks since May 2023 . He adds the Vatican’s move rewards silence and complicity.
But some church leaders urge calm. Archbishop Lucius Ugorji warns that Nigeria risks more unrest if faith leaders stay silent. He says Tinubu must listen to victims first . Ugorji stops short of opposing the invite but urges the Vatican to press Tinubu on justice.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows a 40% rise in violent incidents since Tinubu took office . Boko Haram and ISWAP still strike schools and villages in Borno and Yobe. Fulani herdsmen ramp up attacks in Plateau, Benue, and Taraba.
In May alone, ISWAP killed 23 farmers in Malam Karanti after false safety assurances . Scores more were kidnapped riverside. Authorities imposed curfews in Kaduna and Kano to curb protest violence .
Security forces face criticism too. Human Rights Watch says some army units have shot civilians in protests against fuel price hikes . The government insists reforms will bring long-term relief. Still, families mourn loved ones lost to both jihadists and troops.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, chose Tinubu among fifty guests. This follows tradition: popes invite heads of state to signal peace and dialogue.
Vatican sources say Pope Leo hopes to foster unity in nations wracked by conflict. He aims to engage leaders directly . Yet critics say papal visits carry moral weight. Inviting Tinubu now may seem tone-deaf.
A Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity, says the Pope will meet with Nigeria’s bishops. They plan to discuss violence, corruption, and social justice. The Vatican hopes this private meeting will spur action at home.
The presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, defends the invite. He calls it an honor for Nigeria and proof of rising global respect . Ngelale says Tinubu will raise Nigeria’s good news: democratic gains, growing tech scene, and debt relief talks.
He adds that Pope Leo’s invitation signals support for Tinubu’s reforms. These include ending fuel subsidies and boosting private investment. The president plans a meeting with the Holy See to seek Vatican backing for peace talks with insurgents.
Families of attack survivors feel betrayed. A widow in Plateau State, Aisha John, lost her husband to a midnight raid. She says Tinubu did not help her village. “He invites himself to pray in Rome. But he can’t stop killers at home,” she says.
A displaced teacher, Michael Umar, now shelters near Maiduguri. He fled after Boko Haram burned his school. “We hope the Pope asks Tinubu why our children still learn from tents,” Umar says.
Humanitarian groups struggle to aid these victims. Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency reports over 2 million displaced across the north . Camps overflow. Food and medicine run scarce.
Security expert Dr. Adaobi Eze warns that moral leadership matters. “A leader’s credibility shapes peace talks. You can’t preach unity while people bleed,” she says.
Political analyst Festus Ogun notes that Tinubu’s invite may backfire. “The world will ask: how can a government praised abroad fail at home?” Ogun says. He suggests the Vatican press Tinubu on specific steps to curtail violence.
Church historian Prof. Lucy Nnamani offers balance. She says popes often invite flawed rulers to dialogue. “The Church believes engagement can heal. But timing and optics matter greatly,” Nnamani adds.
Intersociety calls on Tinubu to visit frontline communities first. They want him to meet victims in Borno and Plateau before Rome. They demand a clear plan to disarm militias and punish complicit local officials.
They ask the Vatican to link Tinubu’s invite to real reforms. They urge public statements from Pope Leo that stress human rights and justice in Nigeria.
Support groups echo these points. Amnesty and HRW want Tinubu to strengthen police training and protect church leaders. They urge better funding for rural security and community policing.
Nigeria stands at a moral crossroads. The Pope’s invitation could either shame Tinubu into action or spotlight a leader who fails his people. Many hope the Vatican uses the moment to press for peace. Others fear the invite blesses failure.
On May 18, the world will watch Tinubu kneel before the new Pope. Nigerians will ask: did this gesture bring true prayer for peace? Or did the Vatican turn a blind eye to suffering?
Only time will tell if this visit eases Nigeria’s wounds—or widens them further.