Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has dismissed criticism from the Federal Government over his public remarks about a meeting between Catholic bishops and President Bola Tinubu.
The 82-year-old cleric said he had no reason to feel embarrassed or intimidated by the Presidency’s reaction, stressing that his decision to speak publicly was guided by what he believed to be the truth rather than an attempt to win government approval.
Onaiyekan made the remarks in a video shared by SYMFONI TV on Wednesday while responding to questions about the controversy that followed his account of the bishops’ engagement with the President.
‘I Went on Television to Tell the Truth’
Onaiyekan explained that his appearance on Arise TV was intended to communicate the concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria rather than to satisfy the government or any particular individual.
He maintained that his responsibility was to speak honestly about the issues discussed during the meeting.
The cardinal also rejected any suggestion that criticism from government officials could silence him, arguing that at his age he was not prepared to be intimidated.
Cardinal Stands Firm at 82
Onaiyekan said he was neither embarrassed by the reaction to his television appearance nor afraid of possible consequences.
He questioned why he should fear speaking about issues affecting Nigerians, particularly at a stage of life when, in his words, he had little reason to be intimidated by threats of arrest or other forms of pressure.
His comments underline his longstanding willingness to publicly challenge government policies and raise concerns about social conditions in the country.
Bishops’ Concerns Were Not His Personal Position
The cardinal also sought to clarify that the statements he made on television were not simply his individual assessment of the meeting with Tinubu.
According to Onaiyekan, the Catholic bishops collectively prepared a statement outlining their concerns before the meeting, and his subsequent comments reflected that agreed position.
He said he was therefore speaking as a representative voice for the bishops who participated in the engagement.
The issues raised, he stressed, were not matters he had independently introduced after the meeting.
Cleric Defends Freedom to Criticise Government
Onaiyekan also urged Nigerians to recognise the importance of being able to publicly question those in power.
He said the freedom enjoyed in Nigeria should not be treated as guaranteed, pointing to other African countries where religious leaders may face serious restrictions when attempting to criticise governments.
For him, the ability of bishops and other citizens to raise concerns about national affairs remains an important aspect of public life and democratic accountability.
Bishops Raise Concerns About Nigeria’s Direction
The controversy followed a July 28 meeting between President Tinubu and a delegation of Catholic bishops at the State House in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of Kaduna.
Other senior clerics included Onaiyekan, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto.
During the meeting, the bishops raised concerns about the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, insecurity, the state of democracy and preparations for the 2027 elections.
They also discussed religious freedom and the possibility of returning mission schools to church ownership or management.
Tinubu Pushes Back Against Some Concerns
President Tinubu responded by defending the direction of his administration and insisting that the Nigerian economy was improving.
He also rejected suggestions that the Independent National Electoral Commission was biased.
On the issue of mission schools, the President encouraged the bishops to engage state governors directly in advocating for their return.
He noted that he had similarly pursued the issue during his time as governor of Lagos State.
Television Interview Triggers Presidency’s Response
Three days after the State House meeting, Onaiyekan appeared on Arise TV and discussed the engagement.
During the interview, he said the bishops had spoken candidly to Tinubu about the hardship and suffering being experienced by Nigerians.
His public account subsequently attracted criticism from the Presidency.
Temitope Ajayi, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, described Onaiyekan’s decision to publicly discuss details of the meeting as inappropriate, arguing that the engagement should have remained private.
Onaiyekan Says Nigerians Are ‘In the Same Boat’
Despite the criticism, the cardinal maintained that the bishops were motivated by their concern about the situation facing ordinary Nigerians.
He said the problems of poverty and suffering affect people across religious and social boundaries, adding that many other religious leaders have also expressed similar concerns.
Onaiyekan said he could not speak for every religious leader but acknowledged that several had supported the position taken by the Catholic bishops.
Debate Over Church and Government Relations Continues
The disagreement has highlighted the delicate relationship between religious institutions and government in Nigeria, particularly when clerics publicly comment on economic hardship, insecurity, governance and elections.
For Onaiyekan, however, speaking about those issues is part of the responsibility of religious leaders who interact directly with communities affected by national problems.
His latest comments indicate that the criticism from the Presidency has not changed his position or his willingness to speak publicly about matters affecting Nigerians.
What Happens Next?
The dispute is likely to keep attention focused on the relationship between the Federal Government and religious leaders as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections.
The Catholic bishops are expected to continue engaging government authorities on issues affecting citizens, while individual clerics remain free to express their views within the limits of Nigeria’s laws.
For Onaiyekan, the message remains clear: criticism from government officials will not prevent him from publicly raising concerns about poverty, insecurity, democracy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Summary
Cardinal John Onaiyekan has firmly rejected the Presidency’s criticism of his public discussion of a meeting between Catholic bishops and President Bola Tinubu.
He insists that his television appearance reflected the collective position of the bishops and was motivated by a desire to speak honestly about the difficulties facing Nigerians.
While the Presidency questioned the decision to disclose details of what it regarded as a private engagement, Onaiyekan said he was neither embarrassed nor intimidated, arguing that Nigerians should value the freedom to question those in power.
