Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Presidency over its recent remarks against the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing the comments as an attack on one of Nigeria’s most respected moral institutions.
Atiku called on the Federal Government to issue an immediate and unconditional apology to Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic faithful, arguing that the Presidency’s reaction was disrespectful, unnecessary and inconsistent with democratic values.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate accused the Tinubu administration of responding to constructive criticism with hostility instead of addressing the concerns raised by the Catholic bishops.
According to Atiku, the Presidency chose political confrontation over self-examination after members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference expressed concerns about the country’s economic hardship, insecurity and governance.
He said the government’s response reflected a growing intolerance of dissent and an unwillingness to engage with differing opinions.
“It was both unfortunate and dangerous that, instead of reflecting on the substance of the cleric’s message, the Presidency chose the familiar path of intimidation, ridicule and political attacks,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President described the Catholic Church as one of Nigeria’s most enduring moral voices, noting that its leaders have consistently spoken in defence of the poor, vulnerable and oppressed, regardless of which political party is in power.
He stressed that religious leaders have a responsibility to hold governments accountable and should not be attacked for expressing concerns about national issues.
“The Catholic Church has, for generations, stood as one of the moral voices of our nation. Its bishops and priests have consistently spoken for the poor, the oppressed and the vulnerable, irrespective of who occupies Aso Rock. Their duty is not to flatter those in power but to speak truth to power,” he said.
Atiku urged the Tinubu administration to embrace constructive criticism, respect democratic freedoms and engage meaningfully with institutions that seek to promote accountability and good governance.
His comments come amid growing debate over the Presidency’s response to Cardinal Onaiyekan’s public disclosure of discussions held during a recent meeting between President Bola Tinubu and a delegation of Catholic bishops at the Presidential Villa.
