Those around Tinubu are hiding Nigerians’ hardship from him, Onaiyekan says after meeting with president

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, recently met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the current state of Nigeria. Following the meeting, Onaiyekan stated that individuals within the president’s inner circle are failing to provide an accurate account of the economic difficulties facing the citizenry, instead presenting a misleading, positive narrative of the country's condition.

Onaiyekan emphasized that he and his associates felt a moral obligation to present the reality of the situation to the president rather than reinforcing the optimistic reports provided by others. The remarks highlight a perceived disconnect between the administration's advisors and the lived experiences of Nigerians struggling with national hardship.