Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Ayo Oritsejafor, has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying the government has worsened the challenges facing the country.
Oritsejafor made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, where he also revisited criticisms that followed the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, particularly allegations of poor leadership, corruption, and insecurity during his time in office.
The cleric questioned the position of some Nigerians who described Jonathan as “clueless” while he was president, noting that many individuals who opposed his government are now holding key positions in the current administration.
“Where are those people now? Are they not the same people today who are in power?” Oritsejafor asked.
He recalled that Jonathan faced widespread criticism and protests during his tenure, especially in Lagos and other parts of the country, adding that some of those who led or supported the demonstrations are now part of government.
According to him, the same individuals who accused Jonathan of lacking direction are now responsible for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“People who called him clueless, but they wouldn’t allow him to do the things he needed to do. They protested against him all over the place, especially in Lagos and across the country,” he said.
Oritsejafor maintained that he had no regrets supporting Jonathan during the 2015 presidential election, despite the criticisms that followed his decision.
“No, I don’t,” he said when asked if he regretted his support for the former president.
Speaking on President Tinubu’s administration, the former CAN president expressed concerns over the country’s current situation, saying Nigerians are experiencing increased hardship and uncertainty.
He criticised the government’s handling of national issues and questioned whether the administration could successfully address the difficulties facing the country.
“The government of Tinubu has done more harm to this nation than this nation has ever experienced,” he stated.
Although he declined to directly call for the president’s resignation, Oritsejafor advised Tinubu to honestly evaluate his ability to solve Nigeria’s problems.
“I would not sit here categorically and tell him resign. But what I would say to him is, don’t pretend to know what to do when you don’t know what to do. Don’t pretend that you can take Nigeria out of where it is now when you know you can’t,” he said.
The cleric also criticised the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, arguing that many Nigerians have lost confidence due to economic difficulties and insecurity.
He said many citizens are now relying on faith for hope amid the challenges confronting the country.
“The average Nigerian today has no hope, except if you say you look up to God to give you hope,” he added.
Oritsejafor further advised President Tinubu against seeking another term in office, urging him to focus on addressing the current challenges rather than pursuing a second tenure.
“Don’t begin to dream of coming back to continue this same mess,” he said.
Oritsejafor Criticises Tinubu’s Administration, Advises President Against Second Term Bid
