The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration by the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing the remarks as politically motivated.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during a media chat while reacting to the exchange between the senior Catholic cleric and the Presidency over the state of the nation’s economy and the performance of the Tinubu administration.
Cardinal Onaiyekan had earlier stated that many individuals around President Tinubu were presenting an inaccurate picture of the country’s economic situation, preventing the President from fully appreciating the realities facing Nigerians.
Reflecting on the recent meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the cleric said the President rejected the bishops’ assessment of the country’s condition.
According to Onaiyekan, he was not surprised by the President’s reaction, maintaining that the responsibility of the bishops was to present the truth, regardless of whether it was well received.
The Presidency subsequently rejected the cardinal’s comments, describing him as being “more political than spiritual.”
Responding to the controversy, Wike argued that religious leaders should avoid actions capable of portraying them as partisan political actors.
According to him, Cardinal Onaiyekan’s political preferences are widely known, making his comments unsurprising.
“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side and it’s very clear, it becomes difficult for people to see those comments as helpful or real,” Wike said.
“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden who he supports. Everybody knows that.
“In 2023, religious leaders took sides. It was very open,” the minister added.
The exchange comes amid renewed debate over the country’s economic conditions and differing assessments from government officials, religious leaders and opposition figures regarding the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.