Shehu Sani Lauds Catholic Bishops for Speaking Truth

Shehu Sani, a public commentator, commended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for their longstanding tradition of speaking truth to power, particularly in light of recent comments made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Archbishop of Abuja. Onaiyekan stated during an Arise Television appearance that the CBCN had informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the severe economic challenges affecting poor Nigerians during a recent meeting at the State House.

He expressed concern that the president was not receiving accurate briefings on the country's realities and warned that Tinubu's focus on winning the 2027 general election could compromise the electoral process's credibility. In response, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, criticized Onaiyekan's remarks as politically motivated, asserting that the cardinal represented only Catholics and not the broader Christian community.

Sani noted that the bishops have historically maintained a non-partisan stance, always presenting gifts of bitter kola to presidents instead of olive oil.