President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s recent comments on Nigeria’s economy and governance reflected the views of the Catholic Church rather than those of the wider Christian community.
Bwala made the remarks in a post on his X account while responding to the debate generated by Onaiyekan’s television interview following the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
According to the presidential aide, the Cardinal’s position should be viewed within the context of the Catholic Church, which he alleged openly supported Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 general election. He further referenced Obi’s 2022 “Take back your country” statement, claiming it was made within the Catholic institution, and argued that the Cardinal’s intervention was driven more by politics than spiritual leadership.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan wasn’t speaking for Christians; he was speaking for Catholics, the very institution rooting for Peter Obi. Therefore, Cardinal is more political than spiritual,” Bwala stated.
Despite his criticism, Bwala acknowledged that not every Catholic shares Obi’s political preference, insisting that the Cardinal’s views should not automatically be interpreted as the official position of all members of the Catholic Church.
Defending President Tinubu’s reaction during the meeting with the bishops, Bwala maintained that the President had every right to reject their assessment of Nigeria’s economic situation. According to him, Tinubu’s disagreement was based on available economic facts, statistics and official data rather than sentiment.
Bwala also criticised what he described as inconsistencies in the approach of some religious leaders, arguing that while many clerics encourage believers to remain optimistic despite personal challenges, they sometimes present a different outlook when discussing national issues.
He added that Christianity in Nigeria extends beyond the Catholic Church, stressing that the broader Christian community consists of multiple denominations whose collective position should remain non-partisan. According to Bwala, the recognised body representing Christians, including Catholics, ought to maintain neutrality and avoid becoming a platform for political interests.
His comments come amid continued public reactions to the meeting between President Tinubu and Catholic bishops, during which the church leaders expressed concerns about Nigeria’s economy, insecurity and governance, while the President rejected several of their assessments.
