Wike Questions Onaiyekan’s Neutrality as Northern Youths, Amaechi, Others Rally Behind Cardinal

The disagreement between the Federal Government and the Catholic Church over recent comments on governance has intensified, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike challenging Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s impartiality while prominent groups and political figures publicly backed the cleric.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Wike dismissed suggestions that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration was politically neutral, arguing that the cleric openly took sides during the 2023 presidential election.

“Don’t tell me they’re not partisan. You know what happened in the 2023 elections. People took sides, religious leaders took sides, it was very open,” Wike said.

He stressed that while criticism of government is legitimate, it should be balanced with recognition of policies and programmes that have produced positive results.

The minister also questioned the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria’s warning about the neutrality of INEC ahead of the 2027 elections, saying such allegations should be backed with verifiable facts.

The exchange followed Cardinal Onaiyekan’s disclosure that Catholic bishops raised concerns with President Tinubu over worsening hardship, insecurity and governance during their recent meeting at the Presidential Villa.

Support grows for Cardinal

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) rejected Wike’s criticism, insisting Cardinal Onaiyekan merely reflected the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.

The youth group described the cleric as a respected elder statesman who courageously spoke about inflation, insecurity and the rising cost of living, urging government officials to focus on solving the nation’s challenges rather than attacking critics.

Former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi also defended the bishops, saying they were fulfilling their moral obligation by speaking on issues affecting Nigerians.

“The Church has a responsibility to speak when people are suffering,” Amaechi stated, adding that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s concerns were driven by patriotism rather than politics.

More organisations join defence

The Middle Belt Forum accused critics of attempting to silence honest voices, insisting the cardinal accurately reflected the economic hardship and security challenges facing many communities across the country.

The group urged the Federal Government to welcome constructive criticism and independently assess the living conditions of Nigerians instead of dismissing concerns raised by religious leaders.

The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria also expressed solidarity with Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, saying the Church has a responsibility to defend the vulnerable and hold leaders accountable.

According to the council, the cardinal’s comments were made out of concern for Nigeria and should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the government, while calling on both the Presidency and the Catholic Church to maintain dialogue in the interest of national unity.

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