Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to focus on better governance, declaring that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) was done engaging in further discussions with the government.
Cardinal Onaiyekan made the remark during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he declined to respond to criticisms from the Presidency following the bishops’ recent meeting with President Tinubu.
The Catholic Bishops had met with the President at the State House, Abuja, where they presented their concerns over the state of the nation, particularly issues surrounding the economy and security.
Speaking on the development, Onaiyekan said the bishops were not interested in entering into a public confrontation with government officials, insisting that their intervention was driven by moral responsibility rather than religious interests.
He explained that the bishops did not visit the President to promote a Catholic agenda but to speak on behalf of Nigerians based on their spiritual mandate.
“We are done talking. You can govern better. We didn’t go there just as Catholic bishops pushing the Catholic agenda. No. We went there as people who have the spiritual mandate to speak to anybody in the name of God,” he said.
Onaiyekan also dismissed claims that the bishops were representing only Catholics, stating that their concerns reflected the realities faced by Nigerians across different backgrounds.
Reacting to comments from government supporters and spokespersons, the cleric said he had no interest in engaging in further exchanges, adding that Nigerians’ reactions on social media had already addressed the issues.
He said, “That some of the supporters of government and the state and spokesperson may have their own idea about what they think they should be saying on behalf of their principal, is their business, not mine.”
The Cardinal maintained that the bishops’ message was aimed at encouraging improved leadership and addressing challenges affecting citizens.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.