In a recent interview on Channels Television, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, former Rivers State Governor, former Minister of Transportation, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi defended the academic qualifications of Catholic bishops while criticizing remarks made by presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala against the Church’s leadership.
Speaking during the interview, Amaechi stated, “There is no bishop without a PhD, yet all these people speaking to them have no PhD.” He argued that becoming a Catholic bishop requires years of rigorous academic and spiritual formation, making the office one that deserves respect.
According to Amaechi, Catholic bishops undergo extensive education and pastoral training before assuming leadership positions within the Church. He maintained that many of those publicly criticizing the bishops have failed to acknowledge the qualifications and experience required to attain such positions.
The former governor said the disagreement between the government and the Catholic Church should not degenerate into personal attacks on senior clerics. He stressed that national conversations should focus on the issues raised by the bishops rather than on attempts to undermine their credibility.
Amaechi also maintained that the Church has consistently contributed to national development by speaking on matters affecting Nigerians, including poverty, insecurity, and governance. He argued that religious leaders should be allowed to express their views without being ridiculed.
He concluded by urging public officials to engage religious leaders respectfully, emphasizing that constructive dialogue is more beneficial to the country than confrontational exchanges that may deepen divisions.
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