By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has declared its support for the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), following criticism of the cleric over comments on the country’s economic and security challenges.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the socio-cultural organisation described the criticism of Cardinal Onaiyekan by some presidential aides as “unfair, unnecessary and completely misplaced.”
The forum urged the Federal Government to reflect on the observations made by the Catholic bishops rather than dismissing them.
Cardinal Onaiyekan had, after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the CBCN, said the President appeared not to be receiving accurate information about the conditions facing ordinary Nigerians.
Responding, the MBF said the Cardinal spoke in the public interest and reflected the experiences of many Nigerians.
“The Middle Belt Forum expresses its total solidarity with His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, on his position regarding poverty and hardship in Nigeria,” the statement said.
According to the group, the Cardinal’s remarks should not be viewed through a political lens but as contributions to national discourse by a respected religious leader.
The MBF also called on President Tinubu to undertake an independent assessment of the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians, particularly victims of terrorism and violent attacks.
It urged the President to engage directly with displaced persons, farmers, widows, market women, unemployed youths and community leaders to gain firsthand insight into the challenges they face.
The forum said communities in the Middle Belt had endured years of insecurity, with many residents displaced by violent attacks, leading to the destruction of homes, farmlands and livelihoods.
While acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices of the military and other security agencies, the MBF maintained that insecurity continues to affect farming, business activities and the daily lives of millions of Nigerians.
On the economy, the forum argued that although the national minimum wage had increased, rising inflation and the depreciation of the naira had reduced workers’ purchasing power, making it more difficult for many households to meet basic needs.
It also cited increases in the cost of fuel, food, transportation, electricity, cooking gas, healthcare and education as factors contributing to the hardship experienced by many Nigerians.
The MBF urged the President to welcome constructive criticism and engage with differing views as part of efforts to address the country’s challenges.
It reiterated its support for the CBCN and Cardinal Onaiyekan, saying discussions on poverty, insecurity and the welfare of citizens are legitimate contributions to national development.
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