The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu openly disagreed with concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over the state of the economy, insecurity and Nigeria’s political climate during their recent meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS, Onaiyekan said the President made it clear that he did not share the bishops’ assessment of the country when they met at the State House in Abuja on July 28.
According to him, the bishops told the President that many Nigerians were facing severe economic hardship and worsening insecurity, but Tinubu insisted that the situation was improving.
“We told him the economy is not helping our poor people; he told us the economy is doing fine. Frankly speaking, he told us quite clearly that he did not agree with us,” Onaiyekan said.
He noted that the bishops were not surprised by the President’s reaction, stressing that their responsibility was to present the realities confronting Nigerians rather than seek agreement.
The cleric explained that the statement presented to the President was the outcome of extensive consultations within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and represented the collective position of the body.
He emphasized that the bishops had no political ambitions or personal interests but were guided by their responsibility to speak truthfully on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians.
Onaiyekan also said he observed that President Tinubu appeared unhappy while listening to the bishops’ presentation because it differed from the positive reports he often receives from those around him.
He expressed concern that many government officials were unwilling to present the President with the true picture of the country, arguing that honest advice was essential for effective governance.
Despite the disagreement, the Archbishop maintained that the meeting was productive because the President responded directly to the issues raised, showing that he had listened to their concerns.
On the country’s political climate, Onaiyekan reiterated the bishops’ warning against what they described as the gradual emergence of a one-party dominant system, saying democracy could be endangered if elections were not conducted freely and fairly.
He argued that political competition should not be driven by the belief that “everything is fair” in the pursuit of electoral victory, warning that misuse of the powers of incumbency could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The cleric also questioned the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), contending that doubts would persist as long as the commission’s leadership continued to be appointed by the President.
He called for reforms that would establish a more independent process for appointing electoral officials, saying such changes would strengthen public confidence in elections.
Onaiyekan urged President Tinubu to consolidate his democratic credentials by implementing reforms that would guarantee credible elections and protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He stressed that the bishops’ intervention was not influenced by any political party but was motivated solely by concern for the country’s economic conditions, security challenges and democratic governance.
Commenting on the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, the Archbishop defended the role of the National Peace Committee, acknowledging concerns that peace accords had become largely symbolic but insisting the initiative remained valuable and should be strengthened.
He revealed that during the signing of the Osun Peace Accord, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed concerns that members of his party were being unfairly targeted, underscoring the need for a level playing field in electoral contests.
Onaiyekan concluded by expressing confidence that the bishops’ message would eventually have an impact, saying the delegation had fulfilled its duty by conveying the concerns of millions of Nigerians who do not have direct access to the President.
