Onaiyekan Declines Public Debate with Presidency on Bishops' Message

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Archbishop of Abuja, addressed the media following a meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on July 28, 2026. During this meeting, the bishops presented their concerns regarding the country's economy and security.

In response to criticism from the Presidency, specifically from Temotope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Onaiyekan emphasized that the CBCN has no intention of publicly debating government spokespersons. He clarified that their visit was not for evangelistic purposes but to express their moral responsibility to Nigerians.

Onaiyekan stated that the bishops' intervention was based on their spiritual mandate and that they were awaiting the government's response to their concerns rather than engaging in further public discourse.