The South-East chapter of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage Catholic bishops in constructive dialogue instead of responding to their criticism of his administration with verbal attacks.
The group said the concerns raised by the bishops over Nigeria’s economic and security challenges deserve attention, urging the Presidency to focus on the issues being raised rather than the personalities behind the criticism.
In a statement signed by its Zonal Coordinator, Dr Ukpa Iro Ukpai, KNN said the bishops had highlighted concerns shared by many Nigerians, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and declining purchasing power.
“President Tinubu should listen to the message, not attack the messenger,” the group said.
KNN Urges Tinubu to Engage Bishops
KNN argued that the Catholic bishops were not political opponents of the administration but religious leaders and citizens who had a responsibility to speak on issues affecting the welfare and future of Nigerians.
The group said democratic governance requires openness to criticism and opposing views, particularly when such concerns reflect the experiences of ordinary citizens.
It therefore urged the Presidency to respond to the bishops through dialogue, clarification and appropriate policy measures.
KNN also called on the President to encourage his aides and supporters to avoid personal attacks against religious leaders and other Nigerians who raise concerns about governance.
The group specifically appealed to the Presidency to invite the bishops for constructive discussions on the issues they raised.
“The Bishops have done the nation a service by speaking when others may be afraid to speak,” KNN stated.
According to the group, the bishops were echoing the concerns of millions of Nigerians who are experiencing the impact of the country’s economic and social challenges.
KNN Backs Possible Obi-Kwankwaso Partnership
The South-East KNN also urged Nigerians not to lose hope, expressing support for a possible Peter Obi-Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso political partnership ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group described such a partnership as a potential alternative to the current political order and said it could promote a shift from a consumption-driven economy towards one focused more on production, employment and economic opportunities.
KNN further urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process and reject electoral manipulation.
The group advised voters to prioritise competence and integrity when choosing political leaders rather than exchanging their votes for temporary material benefits.
It argued that short-term incentives cannot address the long-term economic and social challenges facing Nigerians.
