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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