ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged the claim that Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, is politically neutral, insisting the cleric openly aligned with a political camp during the 2023 general elections.
Wike’s comments have, however, triggered a wave of support for the respected Catholic leader from several organisations, including the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN), and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
The disagreement follows recent remarks by Cardinal Onaiyekan after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Speaking during a television interview, the cleric said the bishops used the meeting to draw the President’s attention to the worsening economic hardship facing Nigerians and expressed concerns that the administration appeared more focused on securing re-election in 2027.
The comments were criticised by presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala, who argued that Onaiyekan’s views did not represent all Christians and alleged that some Catholic leaders favoured Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Addressing journalists during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike maintained that religious leaders should be fair in assessing governments, saying constant criticism without acknowledging achievements inevitably creates the impression of political bias.
According to the FCT Minister, Nigerians are aware of where many influential figures stood during the 2023 elections, including religious leaders.
He argued that while no government is above criticism, fairness demands that commendable policies and achievements should also be recognised whenever necessary.
Wike further stated that when public interventions consistently portray government negatively without balancing such views with areas of progress, it becomes difficult to regard such criticism as objective.
The minister also rejected claims by the Catholic bishops that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may not remain impartial ahead of the 2027 elections.
He questioned the basis for such concerns, saying an organisation as influential as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference should only make allegations supported by verifiable evidence.
According to him, broad claims suggesting that the electoral commission is biased could undermine public confidence if they are not backed by facts.
Northern youth group backs Onaiyekan
Responding to Wike’s remarks, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria declared its support for Cardinal Onaiyekan, describing him as a respected national figure who merely echoed the realities confronting millions of Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its National President, Isah Abubakar, the council said the cleric’s observations on inflation, insecurity and economic hardship reflected the daily experiences of ordinary citizens rather than partisan politics.
The group criticised attempts to attack the messenger instead of addressing the concerns raised, urging government officials to focus on finding lasting solutions to the country’s challenges.
The council also encouraged religious and traditional leaders across Nigeria to continue speaking out on issues affecting governance, justice and citizens’ welfare.
Amaechi faults attacks on Catholic bishops
Former Minister of Transportation and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, also defended the Catholic Church, accusing the Presidency of showing disrespect to Christian leaders.
Speaking during a television interview, Amaechi said the bishops had every right to discuss national issues such as economic hardship, insecurity and electoral integrity with the President.
He argued that once a meeting involving the President is opened to the media, discussions arising from it become matters of public interest.
Amaechi described the criticism directed at Cardinal Onaiyekan as an unnecessary attack on the Catholic Church and the Christian faith.
He insisted that the Cardinal was motivated by concern for Nigeria rather than political interests, adding that religious leaders have a moral responsibility to speak whenever citizens are suffering.
Amaechi recalled that the Catholic Church criticised the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari over insecurity without facing similar public attacks from government officials.
He urged the Tinubu administration to respect religious institutions and avoid comments capable of deepening religious tensions.
Middle Belt Forum condemns criticism of Cardinal
The Middle Belt Forum also threw its weight behind Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, describing the attacks against the cleric as unfair and misplaced.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, the organisation said the Cardinal merely expressed concerns shared by millions of Nigerians struggling with poverty, insecurity and economic hardship.
The forum maintained that the Middle Belt continues to experience persistent attacks by armed groups, resulting in the loss of lives, destruction of communities and displacement of thousands of residents.
It also argued that although the national minimum wage had increased, rising inflation and the depreciation of the naira had significantly reduced the purchasing power of workers.
According to the group, Nigerians are paying far more for food, transportation, electricity, healthcare, education and other essential services than before the current administration’s economic reforms.
The MBF called on President Tinubu to embrace constructive criticism and engage directly with displaced persons, farmers, traders and other vulnerable Nigerians to better understand the country’s realities.
Catholic laity defends Onaiyekan
The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria equally defended Cardinal Onaiyekan, insisting his comments were made out of genuine concern for the country’s future.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Ambrose Obioha, and Secretary-General, Francis Olayinka Ojo, the council said the Church has a moral obligation to defend the poor, promote justice and hold leaders accountable.
The council stressed that Onaiyekan did not disclose confidential information from the meeting with President Tinubu but merely shared the Church’s concerns on issues affecting Nigerians.
It called for continued dialogue between the Presidency and the Catholic Church, saying cooperation between both institutions remains essential for national peace, security and development.
The council also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s leaders while supporting policies capable of improving the welfare of citizens.
