Catholic Laity Council Defends Cardinal Onaiyekan, Says Church Must Continue Speaking Truth to Power
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Rita Onuoha
The Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN), the umbrella body representing more than 38 million Catholic faithful across the country, has defended the recent public comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan regarding a private meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
In a formal press statement issued in response to the Presidency's reaction to the Cardinal's interview, the Council reaffirmed the Catholic Church's prophetic responsibility to speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable, and hold leaders accountable with truth, justice and charity.
The controversy followed Cardinal Onaiyekan's remarks on issues discussed during a private meeting between President Tinubu and members of the CBCN. The Presidency had reportedly faulted the Cardinal's public comments, prompting the Catholic Laity Council to clarify the Church's position.
According to the CLCN, matters relating to the economy, insecurity, justice and governance directly affect more than 200 million Nigerians and, therefore, cannot remain confined to private discussions when the welfare of citizens is at stake.
The Council maintained that Cardinal Onaiyekan did not disclose confidential information but raised moral concerns in the public interest in line with the Church's longstanding mission of promoting justice, peace and the common good.
Describing the former Archbishop of Abuja as a man of peace, dialogue and integrity, the Council said his intervention was intended to awaken the nation's conscience rather than embarrass or undermine the Federal Government.
The CLCN also expressed its full solidarity with Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, urging continued constructive engagement between the Church and the State in addressing Nigeria's numerous social, economic and security challenges.
The Council further called on Nigerians to pray for the nation's leaders while encouraging government at all levels to pursue policies that bring tangible relief to citizens, strengthen security and promote justice for all.
The latest statement comes amid growing national conversations on economic hardship, rising insecurity and governance reforms, with religious and civil society organisations increasingly calling for greater accountability and people-centred leadership.
