Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has expressed concern that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may not be receiving an accurate picture of the state of the nation, warning that many people around the President are presenting an overly optimistic view of Nigeria’s realities.
Speaking during an interview from 6:30 on Arise News on Saturday, 1 August, 2026, after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria met with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Onaiyekan said one of the bishops’ objectives was to provide the President with an honest assessment of the country’s challenges rather than the flattering reports he often receives.
The cleric argued that leaders need truthful advice, especially during difficult times, adding that shielding the President from the realities facing Nigerians does not help governance. According to him, the Church considered it its duty to raise concerns about issues affecting citizens and the direction of the country.
Speaking on why the bishops felt compelled to be candid during their meeting with the President, Onaiyekan said: “There are so many people hanging around Mr President giving him a rosy picture of what the country is, which it is not.”
He explained that the bishops were not interested in criticizing the government for political reasons but in ensuring that the country’s leadership hears perspectives that reflect the experiences of ordinary Nigerians….See More