The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) says John Onaiyekan, cardinal and former archbishop of Abuja archdiocese, commented on President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with Catholic bishops out of concern for Nigeria.
Catholic laity are ordinary, baptised members of the Catholic Church. They make up a vast majority of Catholics globally.
On Saturday, Onaiyekan, while reflecting on discussions held during a meeting between the president and Catholic bishops, said the Tinubu-led administration appears determined to secure victory in the 2027 elections “by all means”.
Following his remarks, Daniel Bwala, special adviser to the president on policy communication, accused the cardinal of speaking from a political standpoint.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar subsequently faulted the presidency’s response, urging the government to address the concerns raised by the bishops instead of attacking Onaiyekan.
‘ONAIYEKAN’S COMMENTS NOT MEANT TO EMBARRASS FG’
In a statement dated August 2 and co-signed by Ambrose Obioha, CLCN national president; and Francis Olayinka Ojo, secretary-general of the council; the laity said Onaiyekan’s remarks were intended to “call the nation to conscience” rather than embarrass the federal government.
“We know Cardinal Onaiyekan to be a man of peace, dialogue and integrity. His intervention was not to embarrass government, but to call the nation to conscience,” the statement reads.
“A disagreement over facts, as the presidency rightly noted, should not be read as arrogance. Neither should a pastoral reflection be read as a breach of trust.”
The council said the Catholic Church has a moral obligation, rooted in the gospel and social teaching, to speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable and hold leaders accountable.
According to the council, such interventions should not be construed as an abuse of privilege but as part of the church’s pastoral responsibility.
It also said while it respects the sanctity of private engagements, discussions on issues affecting the lives and welfare of Nigerians cannot remain permanently behind closed doors.
“When national issues of economy, security and justice are discussed, the people have a right to know the direction of leadership,” the council said.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan did not reveal secrets. He shared the moral concerns of the Church and the response of government, which is in the public interest.”
The council urged the presidency and the Catholic Church to sustain dialogue in national interest.
The group also declared its solidarity with Onaiyekan and the CBCN, calling on Nigerians to pray for the country’s leaders and support policies that promote security, justice and economic relief.
“CLCN believes that government and Church must continue to work together for the common good. We urge both the presidency and the Church to sustain the channels of dialogue. Nigeria needs moral voices now more than ever,” it added.
