Senator Orji Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has stated his intention to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu shows disrespect towards the opposition or the Catholic Church. Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, made this remark during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He affirmed that President Tinubu had not insulted the Catholic bishops and saw no reason for the President to apologize regarding the controversy following his recent meeting with Catholic leaders.
Kalu expressed, “I would leave the APC the day President Tinubu disrespects the opposition or the Catholic Church. The President knows better than to insult the Catholic bishop, in my understanding. There’s nothing in what the President said that requires an apology. However, if the Presidency does make any missteps, an apology should follow.”
The senator further defended Tinubu’s relationship with the Catholic Church, characterizing it as amicable. He argued that the bishops are well-positioned to raise issues with him others might not address.
He noted, “Tinubu shares a positive relationship with the Catholic Church. There was nothing inappropriate in what the Catholic bishops said. Far from being their enemy, Tinubu is among their best allies. I found no insult towards the bishops.”
Kalu clarified that Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s feedback after meeting with Tinubu doesn’t necessarily reflect the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s (CBCN) collective stance.
“The conversation between the Catholic bishops and President Tinubu was public, with cameras present. Onaiyekan attended independently of other bishops, possibly expressing his personal views,” he explained.
Kalu also mentioned that the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference voiced the communiqué from the meeting and highlighted that individual cardinals and archbishops might hold diverse opinions.
The controversy arose after Onaiyekan remarked post-meeting at the Presidential Villa that Nigeria was “bleeding” and many citizens were enduring severe economic challenges. Onaiyekan expressed concerns regarding the 2027 elections and electoral process credibility, which drew criticism from some government figures.
Following this, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike accused the cardinal of political bias due to his critique of President Tinubu’s administration. In response, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi dismissed these claims, supporting Onaiyekan for highlighting issues such as hardship, poverty, and corruption, urging the government to prioritize resolving economic and security issues.
During the meeting, Tinubu refuted opposition allegations of intimidation and stated his readiness to face political competition without offering rivals undue advantage.
