Amanze Chinonye
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Presidency’s response to Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of becoming increasingly intolerant of dissent and uncomfortable with criticism.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Presidency resorted to political attacks instead of addressing the concerns raised by the Catholic cleric.
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Reacting to the Presidency’s position, Atiku accused the administration of attempting to discredit the Catholic Church instead of addressing the issues raised by its leaders.
He alleged that the Presidency had become accustomed to engaging with what he described as “fake bishops” during the 2023 electioneering campaign and was therefore unable to accept criticism from Catholic bishops, whom he described as independent religious leaders committed to speaking truth to power.
“Perhaps the Presidency has become so accustomed to inviting ‘fake bishops’ that it now assumes every cleric can be recruited into political propaganda. But Catholic bishops are different. They are not political props, rented cheerleaders or praise singers. They are shepherds with a moral obligation to speak truth to power, regardless of whose interests are bruised. They cannot be used,” the statement read.
Atiku maintained that, rather than attacking respected religious leaders, the Tinubu administration should reflect on the concerns raised by the bishops regarding the economy, governance and the country’s democratic institutions.
The Presidency had not responded to Atiku’s latest remarks at the time of filing this report.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
