Catholic Laity Defends Onaiyekan, Says Remarks Were Made Out of Concern for Nigeria

The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) has defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan over his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu’s meeting with Catholic bishops, insisting that the former Archbishop of Abuja spoke out of genuine concern for Nigeria rather than malice.

In a statement dated August 2 and jointly signed by the council’s National President, Ambrose Obioha, and Secretary-General, Francis Olayinka Ojo, the group said Onaiyekan’s remarks were intended to draw attention to the country’s challenges and encourage national reflection.

According to the council, the cardinal’s intervention should not be interpreted as an attempt to embarrass the Federal Government.

“We know Cardinal Onaiyekan to be a man of peace, dialogue and integrity. His intervention was not to embarrass government, but to call the nation to conscience,” the statement read.

The council noted that differences over facts should not be viewed as hostility, adding that pastoral reflections should not be mistaken for political attacks.

It maintained that the Catholic Church has a moral obligation, rooted in its teachings, to speak on issues affecting justice, security, governance and the welfare of citizens.

The group argued that such interventions form part of the Church’s responsibility to defend the vulnerable and encourage accountability in public leadership.

The council also rejected suggestions that Onaiyekan breached the confidentiality of the meeting with the President, stating that he merely shared concerns that were already in the public interest.

“When national issues of economy, security and justice are discussed, the people have a right to know the direction of leadership.

“Cardinal Onaiyekan did not reveal secrets. He shared the moral concerns of the Church and the response of government, which is in the public interest,” the statement added.

The council stressed the importance of continued engagement between the government and religious institutions, describing dialogue as essential to addressing the nation’s challenges.

It further expressed solidarity with Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, urging Nigerians to pray for the country’s leaders while supporting policies capable of promoting justice, security and economic recovery.

According to the council, Nigeria requires constructive engagement between government and moral institutions to strengthen national unity and advance the common good.