Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has said the Catholic Bishops considered it necessary to speak frankly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during their recent meeting, insisting that the country’s challenges could not be ignored while Nigerians continue to grapple with hardship.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday, 1 August, 2026, after members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Onaiyekan explained that the bishops did not go to the meeting merely to exchange pleasantries. Instead, he said they felt a moral obligation to present the realities confronting the nation and the concerns of ordinary citizens.
According to the Archbishop, the Church believes religious leaders have a responsibility to tell those in authority the truth, particularly when the country is facing serious economic and social difficulties. He noted that honest conversations with political leaders are essential if the government is to understand the depth of the problems affecting Nigerians.
Emphasizing why the bishops adopted a direct approach during the meeting, Onaiyekan said: “When the nation is bleeding, you can’t expect a polite meeting with the head of state. We need to let him know. His reply is that the nation is not bleeding…….See More
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