The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has backed Onaiyekan, saying his comments on insecurity, governance and the state of the nation reflected the position of the Church.
In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP, CBCN President and Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso, said there was no difference between Onaiyekan’s position and that of the bishops’ conference.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan did not deviate from the message of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, which I am leading,” Ndagoso said.
“The text of my message is there at the CBCN Secretariat for anyone to see, and I am very sure that if you read it, it’s (Onaiyekan’s view) not different from our position,” he added.
The clarification followed remarks by Cardinal Onaiyekan after the bishops’ meeting with the President, during which he raised concerns over insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges.
The CBCN delegation, which visited the Presidential Villa last Friday, was led by Archbishop Ndagoso and included senior Catholic leaders such as Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin of Ibadan and Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto, among others.
During the meeting, Archbishop Ndagoso highlighted concerns over security, poor leadership, tertiary education, democratic stability, credible elections and poverty.
He also urged the President to consider the return of mission schools and ensure equal treatment for all religious groups, including access to places of worship.
The CBCN president further stressed the need for free and fair elections in 2027.
Responding, President Tinubu said the government was tackling insecurity through improved intelligence gathering, restructuring of security institutions, enhanced logistics and better welfare for security personnel.
He called on religious leaders to condemn violence, guide their members and support efforts to defeat terrorism.
“We don’t have another country but here – this Nigeria,” the President said.
“And I will refer to the national anthem: that in our complexity and diversity, we shall thrive, live, rejoice and be good to all, and humanity.
“I have just approved the expansion of the armed forces. We are getting more equipment and building new barracks. We will defeat terrorism. It should be part of your sermons. I won’t deviate from our national anthem.”
On poverty alleviation, Tinubu said his administration would sustain programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to improve livelihoods.
“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education,” Tinubu stated.
“I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered… The spirit of the people is lifting, and the economic turmoil that we feared is cleared.
“I inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. I have been running with it. This government has stabilised, and there is prosperity on the horizon. Life is improving.”
On the 2027 elections, the President defended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it was impartial.
“The opportunities are equal. INEC is neutral. They have never intimidated anyone. If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows,” Tinubu said.
