By Ayodele Oni
The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has expressed optimism that the last meeting of the Catholic Bishops with President Bola Tinubu, would not be the last between the bishops and the Federal Government.
The meeting has generated mixed reactions from government and prominent Nigerians.
“We are hoping somehow that he will invite us again, or at least create an avenue for us to present more of our concerns than we could in the 10 minutes we had with him.” He urged the administration to create room for broader discussions on national issues.
Onaiyekan also stressed that the bishops had no political ambition, saying their interest was solely the well-being of Nigerians.
“We don’t have any political ambitions. Even our church does not allow us to engage in party politics,” he said.
The cleric stated this during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 , FM Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, on Monday.
Reacting to the Presidency’s response, Onaiyekan said the bishops would not be drawn into a public debate with government officials.
“I would not even answer that question. We have no response for them. We have spoken and the only response we are waiting for is whether it is affecting the way they are governing.”
He added that comments by presidential aides were their responsibility and not that of the bishops.
“That some of the supporters of government and spokespersons may have their own idea about what they think they should be saying on behalf of their principal is their business, not mine,” he said.
The former Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria President also dismissed claims that the bishops spoke only on behalf of Catholics, stressing that their intervention was driven by a moral obligation to all Nigerians.
We didn’t go there just as Catholic bishops pushing the Catholic agenda. We went there as people with a spiritual mandate to speak to anybody in the name of God.”
According to Onaiyekan, the audience with President Tinubu was requested by the Catholic Bishops after months of waiting for approval.
He explained that the visit was neither an evangelistic mission nor an attempt to advance the interests of the Catholic Church, but an opportunity to present concerns over governance and the welfare of Nigerians.
“We went there to share our views and thoughts about the government which he heads, hoping that our ideas will be taken into consideration.”
He declined to engage in a war of words with the Presidency over the Catholic Bishops’ assessment of Nigeria’s economy and security, insisting that the bishops have delivered their message to President Bola Tinubu and are only interested in seeing it reflected in governance.
On the economy, the Cardinal acknowledged improvements in macroeconomic indicators but argued that government should be judged by the impact of its policies on ordinary citizens rather than statistics.
“The important thing is: how is the life of the Nigerian?” he asked.
He described youth unemployment as one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, lamenting that many graduates remain jobless and unable to build stable lives.
“Many of our young people have struggled to finish university, yet they cannot get jobs. They can’t think of marriage, starting a family or planning their future. That is terrible,” he added.
Onaiyekan maintained that Nigeria’s challenges required honesty, justice and political will to resolve, rather than costly interventions.
He also called for greater collaboration among Christian and Muslim leaders in engaging the government, expressing hope that all religious leaders would speak with one voice on issues affecting Nigerians.
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