The Presidency has expressed disapproval regarding a recent television interview given by Cardinal John Onaiyekan concerning his meeting with President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, characterized the interview as an improper disclosure of a private discussion.
According to Ajayi, the bishops requested the meeting to discuss economic, social, and security concerns. He stated that President Tinubu addressed these points with factual counter-arguments, particularly regarding the return of mission schools, which he noted falls under state government jurisdiction. The President also highlighted his past efforts as Lagos governor in returning mission schools.
Ajayi defended the administration’s economic and security policies, arguing that the government is actively building a foundation for recovery after inheriting a fiscal crisis. He emphasized that the President has access to extensive intelligence briefings that provide a more comprehensive view of the nation’s security than public perceptions might suggest.
Addressing the Cardinal’s comments, Ajayi remarked that while the bishops are a significant group, they should not be considered the sole interpreters of the national state of affairs. He insisted that the meeting should have remained confidential and urged for more discretion, noting that clerical status entails a level of responsibility in handling sensitive interactions with the executive branch.
