Former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has publicly criticized the Bola Tinubu administration for its treatment of the Catholic Church. During a television interview, the African Democratic Congress member stated that the government’s recent rhetoric disrespects the Christian faith and its leadership.
Amaechi defended the Catholic bishops, asserting that their recent meeting with President Tinubu was an appropriate venue to address national issues, including economic hardship and electoral integrity. He rejected the notion that the meeting was private, pointing out that the presence of media and cameras inherently made the discussion a matter of public interest.
The former governor argued that attacking religious leaders undermines the dignity of millions of believers. He specifically defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan, emphasizing that the religious leader’s primary concern is the welfare of citizens rather than political gain. According to Amaechi, it is the duty of religious figures to speak out against societal challenges, much like they did during the previous Buhari administration, which handled similar criticism without resorting to insults.
Amaechi concluded by urging the Presidency to end its confrontational stance toward the Church, calling for greater respect for religious institutions to avoid escalating societal divisions. He noted that he is currently observing a mourning period for his mother and intends to remain focused on his personal life before returning to active political discourse.
