Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu disagreed with concerns raised by Catholic bishops over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, poverty and economic hardship during their recent meeting at the Presidential Villa.
Speaking after the meeting, Onaiyekan said members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) told the President that “Nigeria is bleeding” as millions of Nigerians continue to face hunger, unemployment, inflation, kidnappings and violent attacks.
The bishops urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions. They warned that the rising cost of living and persistent insecurity were pushing many citizens into deeper hardship.
According to Onaiyekan, President Tinubu rejected the bishops’ assessment. The President maintained that his administration inherited the country’s challenges and is making steady progress through ongoing economic and security reforms.
The Cardinal stressed that the bishops’ position was not politically motivated. He said the Church has a moral responsibility to speak on behalf of suffering Nigerians and hold leaders accountable, regardless of who is in power.
The Catholic Bishops have consistently raised concerns over insecurity, corruption, poor governance and economic hardship. In several communiqués, they warned that Nigeria needs decisive leadership to reverse the country’s decline.
They have repeatedly called on the Federal Government to improve security, fight corruption, protect lives and property, boost food production and restore public confidence in democratic institutions. The bishops insist that constructive criticism should be welcomed as a contribution to nation-building.
Onaiyekan also urged the Tinubu administration to remain open to sincere advice from religious and civil society leaders. He expressed hope that practical policies would be implemented to reduce hardship and restore hope to Nigerians.
