Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan after the Presidency criticised the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
According to daily post, Atiku defends Cardinal Onaiyekan, insisting that Catholic bishops are not “rented cheerleaders” for any government.
The former vice president reacted after the Presidency faulted Cardinal Onaiyekan for speaking publicly about the bishops’ recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the Presidency’s reaction as unnecessary and disrespectful. He argued that the government should respond to the bishops’ concerns instead of attacking them.
According to Atiku, the Catholic Church has always defended the poor, the vulnerable and the oppressed. Therefore, he said its leaders have a duty to speak the truth, regardless of who is in power.
Atiku defends Cardinal Onaiyekan because he believes the cleric simply clarified what happened during the meeting with President Tinubu. He insisted that the Cardinal acted responsibly by addressing the public after government officials shared their own version of the discussions.
Meanwhile, Atiku praised the Catholic bishops for speaking openly about the country’s economic challenges, insecurity and governance. He stressed that religious leaders should continue holding leaders accountable whenever Nigerians are suffering.
Furthermore, he accused the Presidency of trying to control the public narrative. According to him, criticising Cardinal Onaiyekan for explaining the bishops’ position reflects intolerance toward opposing views.
Atiku defends Cardinal Onaiyekan and maintains that Catholic bishops cannot be turned into political praise singers. He said they are guided by moral principles and should never be treated like supporters hired to defend any administration.
In addition, Atiku argued that attacking respected religious leaders would not solve Nigeria’s economic hardship or worsening insecurity. Instead, he urged the Tinubu administration to focus on addressing the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
The controversy followed Cardinal Onaiyekan’s comments after a meeting between President Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. The cleric said the President disagreed with the bishops’ assessment of the country’s economy, insecurity and political situation.
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However, the Presidency later criticised the Cardinal’s public remarks and described them as inappropriate. Atiku defends Cardinal Onaiyekan, insisting that the cleric only fulfilled his responsibility by clarifying the issues discussed during the meeting.
