Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has urged the Presidency to focus on improving governance, saying the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has already delivered its message and has no interest in further public exchanges.
Speaking during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, the cleric dismissed calls to respond to criticisms from government officials following the bishops’ recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The comments followed an exchange between the Presidency and the CBCN after the bishops met with the President at the State House in Abuja last week, where they raised concerns over the country’s economic challenges and worsening security situation.
Cardinal Onaiyekan stressed that the bishops did not visit the President to promote the interests of the Catholic Church but to fulfil their moral and spiritual responsibility to speak on issues affecting all Nigerians.
He said the conference had no intention of engaging in a media war with government spokespersons, adding that the Presidency should instead concentrate on addressing the concerns raised.
According to him, reactions from Nigerians on social media already reflect the public’s views, making further comments from the bishops unnecessary.
