The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential
candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as growing attacks on
the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, and its members, warning
that the country is becoming increasingly intolerant of truth and constructive
criticism.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his official
social media page while reacting to recent criticisms directed at the Catholic
Church following its comments on Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
According to the former Anambra State governor, the Catholic
Church has consistently served as the conscience of the nation rather than
functioning as an opposition group, noting that the CBCN has, over the years,
commended governments when necessary and spoken out whenever national interest
demanded it.
“The Catholic Church has never functioned as an opposition
party in Nigeria. Across military regimes and successive democratic
administrations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has maintained a
principled voice on national issues and the nation’s conscience,” Obi said.
He argued that other major religious organisations,
including the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the Nigerian Supreme
Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, and the Supreme
Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, SCSN, had also repeatedly expressed concerns
over insecurity, poverty, inflation and unemployment because they witness the
hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Obi maintained that leaders should embrace honest criticism
rather than attack those drawing attention to the country’s challenges.
“As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to
people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticise us
when things are not going in the right direction,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State,
Obi said constructive criticism from traditional rulers and religious leaders
contributed significantly to the success of his administration, particularly in
the areas of education and healthcare.
The presidential candidate also condemned what he described
as attacks on Cardinal John Onaiyekan following the bishops’ comments,
insisting that respected religious leaders should not be vilified for
expressing concerns over national issues.
He recalled that even during the military era, Pope John
Paul II openly challenged the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, over the
detention of Chief Moshood Abiola without facing personal attacks.
Obi further accused political leaders of exploiting religion
and ethnicity to divert attention from issues affecting Nigerians, arguing that
insecurity, inflation, unemployment and economic hardship cut across religious
and ethnic lines.
“The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians
experience daily: insecurity has worsened, poverty is deepening, inflation is
crippling families, businesses are struggling, and hope is fading,” he said.
He argued that rather than responding to those concerns with
personal attacks, the government should focus on addressing the issues raised
and reassuring Nigerians about efforts being made to improve their welfare.
“As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to
people and organisations that speak the truth to us,” Obi said.
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