Cardinal Onaiyekan Declines Further Exchange With Presidency, Urges Focus on Governance
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Williams Obi
Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has declined further engagement with the Presidency over recent criticisms of his remarks, saying the Catholic Bishops have already delivered their message and are now expecting improved governance.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Cardinal Onaiyekan said the meeting between members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu on July 28 was not politically motivated but part of the Church's moral responsibility to draw attention to the challenges confronting Nigerians.
He explained that the bishops raised concerns over the rising cost of living, insecurity and youth unemployment, stressing that their intervention was intended to reflect the realities faced by ordinary citizens rather than advance any partisan interest.
The cleric maintained that the success of any administration should be measured by the welfare and well-being of the people, rather than by economic statistics alone.
He expressed hope that the Federal Government would address the issues highlighted during the meeting instead of engaging in public exchanges over the bishops' observations.
Cardinal Onaiyekan added that the Church remains committed to speaking truthfully on matters affecting the common good while continuing to pray for the nation's peace, stability and progress.
