Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take seriously the concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing the bishops as the “conscience of the nation” rather than political critics.
Speaking in a video shared on his Facebook page, the former Abia State governor reacted to the recent meeting between President Tinubu and the leadership of the CBCN at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as well as the public debate that followed.
The meeting, led by CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso, focused on pressing national issues, including worsening economic hardship, insecurity and the general state of the country. During the engagement, the bishops expressed concern over the difficulties facing Nigerians and urged the government to address them.
In response, President Tinubu defended his administration’s policies, maintaining that the economy was gradually stabilising. He also highlighted the resolution of prolonged university lecturers’ strikes and insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remained impartial. The President further stated that his political opponents were “afraid of their own shadows.”
The meeting sparked further debate after the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said in an interview with ARISE NEWS that President Tinubu appeared displeased by the bishops’ assessment that Nigeria was “bleeding” due to worsening economic conditions affecting ordinary citizens.
Presidential Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, subsequently criticised Onaiyekan’s remarks, arguing that they did not reflect the views of all Christians. He also alleged that the Catholic Church was backing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Reacting to the controversy, Kalu defended the bishops, insisting that their intervention was intended to strengthen governance rather than undermine the President.
“To me, the Catholic Bishops are the conscience of the country. Once they give advice, it is neither for nor against anyone. Their advice is meant to help any sitting president or leader see things as they truly are,” he said.
The senator acknowledged that Nigerians were facing significant economic challenges but argued that the current situation could not be blamed solely on President Tinubu.
“There is difficulty in Nigeria, no doubt, and it is not entirely the fault of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Kalu stated.
He explained that while the administration had made progress in stabilising the macroeconomy, the benefits had yet to be fully felt at the grassroots level.
“We have been able to stabilise the macroeconomy, but the microeconomy is where we are still facing challenges,” he said.
Kalu stressed that the bishops had a moral responsibility to speak truthfully about the country’s condition, unlike politicians who might present a more favourable picture to the President.
“The Catholic bishops are clergymen who are conscious of what they say. I support their visit because it encourages the President to work harder. Even if politicians tell him everything is fine, the Catholic bishops will always tell him the truth, and that is why they are respected,” he added.
The senator also clarified that Cardinal John Onaiyekan is not the current president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, urging the public to avoid that misconception.
He concluded by calling on government officials to carefully study the bishops’ observations and translate them into practical policies that would improve the lives of Nigerians.
“Whatever differences may exist between the Catholic bishops and those speaking for the President are not significant. The bishops have expressed their views on the economy and governance. It is now left for those of us working with President Tinubu to analyse their observations and come up with solutions that will make Nigerians happier,” Kalu said.
