Obi condemns criticism of Catholic Bishops, urges Tinubu to heed their advice

By Henry Umoru ABUJA — Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s response to recent comments by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), urging President Bola Tinubu to view the bishops as trusted voices offering constructive feedback rather than political opponents. Obi said religious leaders play an important role in reflecting the concerns of ordinary Nigerians and should not be attacked for expressing their views on national issues. In a statement issued by his media office and signed by spokesman Idris Zekeri, Obi said the Catholic Church has consistently served as a moral voice in the country by commending governments where necessary and speaking out on issues affecting justice and the public good.

He noted that other religious organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), have also raised concerns over the country’s economic and security challenges. According to Obi, governments should welcome constructive criticism rather than regard dissenting opinions as political opposition. Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State, he said engagement with traditional rulers and religious leaders, including those who criticised his administration, contributed to improvements in governance, particularly in education and healthcare.

In the statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi described recent criticisms directed at the Catholic bishops and Cardinal John Onaiyekan following their remarks on national issues as unnecessary. He argued that Nigeria’s security, economic and social challenges require open engagement with differing views instead of attacks on individuals and institutions that raise public concerns. Obi also recalled that during the military era, religious leaders were able to express their views on national issues without being vilified, citing Pope John Paul II’s 1998 visit to Nigeria, during which the late pontiff publicly advocated democratic governance and the release of Chief Moshood Abiola.

He further questioned what he described as inconsistency in the Federal Government’s approach to the Catholic Church, noting that while President Tinubu attended the inauguration of Pope Leo X… By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA—The federal government has restated its readiness to deepen consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, and other faith-based groups, insisting that many of Nigeria’s challenges could only be resolved through sustained partnership with religious and civil society institutions. Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Senator George Akume, gave the assurance in a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, following the recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of CBCN.

Akume said the administration would sustain engagement with the Bishops and other stakeholders on the concerns raised during the meeting, describing such collaboration as central to advancing the national interest. “The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will continue consultations with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest,” he said. The SGF explained that the discussions between the President and the Bishops were candid, respectful and constructive, touching on security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.

He noted that both parties equally acknowledged progress recorded under the administration, citing the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, even as he maintained that differences in assessment between government and the Church should not be read as a breakdown in mutual respect. “Many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development.