President Bola Tinubu, former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi and his Anambra counterpart, who flew the Labour Party (LP) flag in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, joined dignitaries and global leaders, yesterday, at the Vatican for the historic inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome.
Though Tinubu is a Muslim, the Presidency reiterated his commitment to religious and national harmony. In a moment of shared memory and faith, Obi stood once again alongside his fellow knight, Fayemi, inside the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, over a decade after both men attended the inauguration of Pope Francis in 2013.
He wrote in his X handle: “It was a deeply spiritual moment. Dr Fayemi and I stood beneath the same dome, remembering our journey as governors, and now as fellow believers witnessing another sacred transition in the Catholic Church.” Obi and Fayemi are staunch Catholics and Papal knights.
The LP chief, who has maintained strong ties with the Vatican through his involvement with Scholas Occurrentes, a global initiative promoting education and peace, described yesterday’s event as more than ceremonial, but a call to action.
He reflected on the Holy Father’s inaugural message, which he described as “piercing in its simplicity and urgency.” Pope Leo XIV had called on world leaders to walk with the poor and uplift the forgotten, stressing that “true faith is expressed through action,” not words.
“The Holy Father reminded us that the greatest service we can offer is to restore dignity to the vulnerable,” Obi said. “It is a call I take seriously.” He also exchanged pleasantries with President Tinubu, expressing hope that the spirit of unity seen at the Vatican would translate into compassion-driven leadership back home.
“I prayed for our nation and renewed my commitment to building a Nigeria where every child has access to quality education, healthcare and opportunity,” Obi added. “We must invest in our people. That is the only path to a truly prosperous and inclusive nation.”
Fayemi reportedly sighted Tinubu, where he sat with other leaders and asked Obi to follow him to pay homage to the Nigerian leader. On getting to the President, Fayemi broke the ice between Obi and Tinubu, and said: “Mr President, welcome to our church, and thank you for honouring the Pope with your presence.”
But Tinubu responded: “I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the Head of the Nigerian Delegation.” The President’s response cracked up Obi, who agreed with the President.
“Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation,” Obi said.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on his verified X, stressed that Tinubu remained unbiased in his dealings with all faith groups.
“President Tinubu leads a multi-religious nation and remains unbiased against any. His creed: though tribe, tongue and religion may differ, in nationhood we stand; united,” Dare wrote.
According to him, the President’s visit to the Vatican, where he was joined by four senior Nigerian clergymen, reflects his inclusive leadership and commitment to serving all citizens equally.
“President Tinubu is purposed to serve all citizens. His visit to the Vatican alongside four top clergymen resonates clearly in this direction,” the presidential aide stated.
Tinubu exchanged pleasantries with the new Pope. Photographs and videos from the ceremony showed Tinubu and the Pope in a respectful handshake and short conversation, underscoring the spirit of mutual goodwill between Nigeria and the Vatican.
Source: The Guardian
