By Ayodele Oni
In a swift response to Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s stinging criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s alleged authoritarian administration, the Presidency has said the respected Cleric, was expressing his personal and political opinion, and pointed out that “his opinion does not represent that of Christians in Nigeria.”
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, stated this in a post on his X account on Saturday.
Onaiyekan’s remarks followed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN’s recent visit to the President.
The Cardinal, after the meeting, accused President Tinubu’s government of prioritizing winning elections “by all means” over tackling the country’s challenges.
He accused the President of deploying every available means at his disposal to ensure his victory in 2027 general election.
According to the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Tinubu is not ready for free, fair election, as shown in his desperation to remain in power.
Speaking during an Arise News interview the cardinal stated that the government possesses extensive means and is actively deploying them in ways that could render the will of the people irrelevant even under conditions of a free and fair poll.
In his response, Bwala said Onaiyekan was speaking for the Catholic Church, not the entire Christian community.
He claimed the Catholic institution largely backed Labour Party candidate Peter Obi in the 2023 election.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan wasn’t speaking for Christians, he was speaking for Catholics, the very institution rooting for Peter Obi,” Bwala wrote.
“In fact, likely the institution where Peter Obi also said in 2022 ‘take back your country.’ Therefore, Cardinal is more political than spiritual.
Bwala also noted that not all Catholics voted for Obi, and said President Tinubu was right to disagree with the assessment of the economy by the Bishops.
According to him, the administration’s position is supported by “facts, stats and numbers factored into context.”
The presidential aide further accused the Clergy of double standards, alleging that the same Priests who criticize government would tell their members to say “we are doing great” even amid hardship.
“There is a body comprising all Christians including the Catholics and Catholic Bishops Conference and that body’s position is neutral and should be so, otherwise it is political,” he added
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