Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) held a frank discussion with President Bola Tinubu because of the country’s economic and social challenges.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday, August 1, 2026, following the bishops’ visit to the Presidential Villa, Onaiyekan said the meeting was not intended to be ceremonial but to convey the realities facing ordinary Nigerians.
He said religious leaders have a responsibility to speak honestly to those in authority, particularly during periods of national hardship, so that leaders can better understand the concerns of citizens.
Explaining the bishops’ approach, Onaiyekan said, “When the nation is bleeding, you can’t expect a polite meeting with the head of state. We need to let him know.”
According to the cleric, President Tinubu disagreed with that assessment, responding that the country was not bleeding. The remarks have sparked public discussion over differing views on Nigeria’s current economic and social conditions.
