The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan following criticism from the Presidency over his comments on President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with Catholic bishops, insisting that the cleric spoke out of genuine concern for Nigeria and not out of malice or political bias.
In a statement jointly signed by the Council’s National President, Ambrose Obioha, and Secretary-General, Francis Olayinka Ojo, the group said Onaiyekan’s remarks were intended to promote national conscience and encourage good governance rather than embarrass the Federal Government.
The controversy began after the former Archbishop of Abuja reflected on the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), where he suggested that the current administration appeared determined to secure victory in the 2027 general election by every possible means.
His comments drew criticism from the Presidency, with the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, accusing the Cardinal of speaking from a political standpoint.
Reacting to the criticism, the Catholic Laity Council maintained that Onaiyekan’s intervention was consistent with the Church’s moral responsibility to speak on issues affecting the nation.
“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 council said.
The group also rejected suggestions that the Cardinal had breached the trust of the meeting, arguing that a difference in opinion should not be interpreted as hostility towards the government.
“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 statement added.
According to the council, the Catholic Church has both a moral and spiritual obligation to defend the vulnerable, speak truth to those in authority and promote justice whenever national issues affect the lives of citizens.
It argued that discussions relating to the economy, security and justice cannot remain permanently behind closed doors because Nigerians deserve to know the direction of their leaders.
“When national issues of economy, security and justice are discussed, the people have a right to know the direction of leadership. 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 stated.
The Catholic Laity Council further called on both the Presidency and the Catholic Church to maintain open dialogue in the interest of national development, stressing that cooperation between government and religious institutions remains essential.
The group also declared its support for Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) while urging Nigerians to continue praying for national leaders and support policies that promote peace, justice, security and economic recovery.
“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,” the statement concluded.
