Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the Presidency on Sunday for its response to Cardinal John Onaiyekan. Atiku Abubakar serves as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
He described the reaction as a sign of growing intolerance toward independent voices.
The controversy began after Cardinal John Onaiyekan spoke in a television interview on Friday. Cardinal Onaiyekan is the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja. He recalled a meeting between Catholic bishops and President Bola Tinubu on July 28 at the State House in Abuja.
During the interview, Cardinal Onaiyekan stated that the bishops told the President the country was bleeding. He added that the economy was not helping poor citizens.
Cardinal Onaiyekan further said President Tinubu and officials present appeared unhappy with the assessment. The President disagreed with the bishops on the state of the economy, insecurity and political climate.
The Presidency responded by criticising Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Church. Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communications Daniel Bwala accused the Cardinal of political bias.
Daniel Bwala claimed the Church supported opposition figure Peter Obi. He also said Cardinal Onaiyekan spoke only for Catholics and not for all Christians.
In response, Atiku Abubakar issued a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication Phrank Shaibu. Atiku Abubakar said the Presidency chose intimidation instead of addressing the issues raised.
He declared, “Perhaps the Presidency has become so accustomed to inviting ‘fake bishops’ that it now assumes every cleric can be recruited into political propaganda.”
He continued, “But Catholic bishops are different. They are not political props, rented cheerleaders or praise singers. They are shepherds with a moral obligation to speak truth to power, regardless of whose interests are bruised. They cannot be used.”
Atiku Abubakar added that the Catholic Church has long spoken for the poor and oppressed. He stated that their duty is not to flatter those in power. Furthermore, he urged other religious leaders to speak truth whenever the nation’s interest demands it.
Atiku Abubakar demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from the Presidency to Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Church and the faithful. He insisted that respect for independent institutions remains essential to democratic culture.
The former Vice President maintained that constructive criticism forms a necessary part of accountable governance.
