Cardinal Onaiyekan Speaks Truth to Nigerian Government

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, publicly declared his commitment to telling the truth to the Nigerian government, specifically addressing President Bola Tinubu's administration. During an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Onaiyekan expressed that he is not afraid of repercussions for speaking out, stating, “I can’t be embarrassed because I’m 82 years old.” He referred to a meeting on July 28, 2026, between Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, where the bishops raised concerns about the economy, insecurity, and the political climate.

Onaiyekan noted that Tinubu dismissed their assessment, claiming his administration was on the right track. He emphasized the privilege of being able to speak freely in Nigeria, contrasting it with other African nations where such expressions could lead to severe consequences.

Onaiyekan also mentioned that he does not feel the need to respond to social media attacks, as others have defended him.