Amanze Chinonye
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has commended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for what he described as its courage in speaking candidly to President Bola Tinubu about the country’s economic challenges and concerns over Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Frank said the bishops deserved commendation for presenting what he called the realities confronting Nigerians during their recent meeting with the President at the State House, where they raised concerns over the economy, insecurity and what they described as the risk of the country sliding towards a one-party state.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO :
Governance Failure Behind Nigeria’s Economic Struggles, Insecurity – Moghalu
He urged President Tinubu to take the bishops’ message seriously, saying their observations reflected the mood of many Nigerians and deserved careful consideration.
Frank also called on Christian and Muslim religious leaders to emulate the Catholic bishops by speaking truth to those in authority and holding the government accountable.
He alleged that some religious leaders had failed to challenge the government after visiting the Presidential Villa, choosing instead to remain silent on the country’s mounting socio-economic challenges.
The former APC spokesman further accused the Tinubu administration of worsening corruption, insecurity, poverty and unemployment, while alleging that democratic institutions and opposition political parties were being systematically weakened.
Frank also claimed that the administration was attempting to influence the 2027 general election through interference in the judiciary and other democratic institutions. He urged the President to guarantee a free, fair and credible electoral process and respect the independence of the judiciary. He did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
Frank’s remarks come days after members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where they expressed concerns over the country’s economic situation, insecurity and political climate.
READ MORE :
Prayer For Nigeria In Distress: Open Letter To Catholic Bishops Of Nigeria
Speaking in a subsequent interview on Prime Time, an ARISE Television programme, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, disclosed that President Tinubu rejected the bishops’ assessment of the economy and security, insisting that his administration was on the right track.
According to Onaiyekan, the bishops told the President that prevailing economic conditions were worsening the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians and cautioned against what they described as the creeping danger of a one-party dominant state. He said the bishops regarded it as their responsibility to present an honest assessment of the nation’s challenges rather than offer reassuring remarks.
The cardinal said the statement presented to the President reflected the collective position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference after broad consultations and stressed that the bishops had no political ambitions but a moral obligation to speak on issues affecting the lives of Nigerians.
He also expressed concern that too few people within government were willing to tell the President the truth, adding that the bishops had fulfilled their duty by delivering their message frankly.
The Presidency, however, rejected Onaiyekan’s account of the meeting. Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said the President’s assessment of the economy was based on verifiable facts, statistics and economic indicators. He also argued that the cardinal was expressing a personal political opinion rather than the collective position of Nigerian Christians.
In a separate statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi criticised Onaiyekan for publicly discussing details of the private meeting, describing the disclosure as “an abuse of clerical privilege.”
The exchange has intensified public debate over the role of religious leaders in holding government accountable, while drawing renewed attention to concerns about Nigeria’s economic conditions, democratic institutions and the political climate ahead of the 2027 general election.
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.
