FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recently alleged that Archbishop Emeritus John Cardinal Onaiyekan lacked neutrality during the 2023 elections. He suggested that the cleric’s recent criticisms of the current administration are politically motivated rather than objective. Wike argued that religious leaders should provide a balanced perspective, acknowledging government achievements instead of focusing solely on failures. He also questioned the Catholic Bishops’ assertion regarding INEC’s lack of impartiality, demanding specific evidence for such claims.
This stance triggered significant pushback. The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria defended the Cardinal, asserting that his comments accurately reflected the economic hardship and insecurity plaguing many citizens. They praised him for his courage in highlighting these issues to President Bola Tinubu.
Similarly, the Middle Belt Forum stood in solidarity with the Catholic Bishops, labeling the attacks against the Cardinal as misplaced. They highlighted the severe impact of terrorism and inflation on their communities, emphasizing that the Church has a moral duty to speak for the vulnerable. Rotimi Amaechi also entered the fray, accusing the government of insulting the Catholic faith and defending the right of religious leaders to hold officials accountable. Meanwhile, the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria reaffirmed that Onaiyekan’s statements were rooted in pastoral concern for the nation rather than a desire to embarrass the leadership.
