Former Minister of Transportation and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of showing disrespect to the Catholic Church and the Christian faith, alleging that members of the administration have repeatedly targeted church leaders for criticising government policies. He made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television.
Amaechi alleged that the Presidency had deployed what he described as “attack dogs” to respond to criticisms from Catholic leaders instead of addressing the issues they raised about governance, insecurity and economic hardship. He argued that religious leaders have a constitutional and moral responsibility to speak out whenever government policies negatively affect citizens.
According to the former Rivers State governor, the Catholic Church should not be intimidated for expressing concerns over the country’s socio-economic situation. He maintained that the church has consistently advocated good governance and accountability, insisting that its leaders deserve respect rather than public attacks.
Amaechi further questioned whether similar criticism would have been directed at prominent Muslim leaders if they had made comparable observations about the government. He argued that Islamic clerics frequently comment on national issues without attracting the same level of public criticism, adding that Christians should not be singled out for expressing their views.
The remarks followed recent exchanges between the Presidency and leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The controversy intensified after Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, publicly discussed aspects of the meeting, prompting responses from presidential aides who criticised his comments.
Amaechi urged the Federal Government to respect religious institutions and avoid statements that could deepen religious or political divisions. He also reiterated his position that religion and ethnicity should not be exploited for political advantage, stressing the need for national unity and mutual respect among Nigerians.
The Presidency has previously defended its responses to criticisms from public figures, maintaining that government officials have the right to clarify policies and respond to public comments. However, the latest exchange has generated fresh debate over the relationship between political leaders and religious institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say the development reflects the increasingly active public discourse surrounding governance, economic reforms and the role of religious leaders in national affairs. They have urged all parties to maintain respectful dialogue while focusing on issues that promote national unity and democratic stability.
As political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the next general elections, observers believe interactions between political leaders and influential religious institutions will remain a significant aspect of Nigeria’s political landscape. They also called on political actors to prioritise issue-based engagement and avoid rhetoric capable of heightening religious or political tensions.
