Onaiyekan: FG Tones Down, Acknowledges Contributions Of Catholic Church To National Development

By Adesina Soyooye 

In a matured, measured and conciliatory manner, away from the maddening crowd, the Federal Government has acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church to national development.

The relationship between the Church and the FG soured in the past few days, triggered by the aftermath  of the meeting the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Nigeria had with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential  Villa.

At the meeting, the Catholic Bishops expressed their fears, worries and concerns over the state of the nation, particularly as it relates to the hunger in the land, the sufferings of the masses, the economy and the unprecedented insecurity 

The President, however, did not agree with them. He had a different opinion. He dismissed their concerns with a wave of the hand, almost, and gave the impression that things were okay.

A couple of days later, the Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Abuja, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, in a television interview, revealed what transpired between them and the President and what the President’s attitude was towards their concerns.

What the Cardinal said irked the Presidency, and, at least, three Presidential Aides descended on him in response, using not too respectful language.

But not a few Nigerians, including high profile individuals and the Catholic Church pushed back, lamenting the attack on Onaiyekan. It was getting out of hand, almost.

But on Wednesday, a mellowed voice intervened in a conciliatory manner from the Presidency.

In a personally signed statement, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, acknowledged the contributions of the Catholic Church to national development.

He said the Federal Government will work on a strong collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, as well as other stakeholders so as to address the social, economic and security challenges facing Nigeria.

In the statement, Akume said that the Tinubu Administration believes that  lasting solutions require sustained partnership with faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens.

He said that the Government remains open to constructive dialogue and honest counsel, and added that discussions with the Catholic Bishops covered issues including security, the economy, education, public services, electoral credibility and religious freedom.

Akume, also,  reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to democratic principles, and stressed that “it neither seeks nor supports a one-party state and will continue to respect the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.”

He assured that  “consultations with the Catholic Bishops and other stakeholders would continue in the interest of peace, national unity and sustainable development.”