The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) says John Onaiyekan, cardinal and former archbishop of Abuja archdiocese, commented on President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with Catholic bishops out of concern for Nigeria.
Catholic laity are ordinary, baptised members of the Catholic Church. They make up a vast majority of Catholics globally.
On Saturday, Onaiyekan, while reflecting on discussions held during a meeting between the president and Catholic bishops, said the Tinubu-led administration appears determined to secure victory in the 2027 elections “by all means”.
Following his remarks, Daniel Bwala, special adviser to the president on policy communication, accused the cardinal of speaking from a political standpoint.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar subsequently faulted the presidency’s response, urging the government to address the concerns raised by the bishops instead of attacking Onaiyekan.
‘ONAIYEKAN’S COMMENTS NOT MEANT TO EMBARRASS FG’
In a statement dated August 2 and co-signed by Ambrose Obioha, CLCN national president; and Francis Olayinka Ojo, secretary-general of
