Tinubu and Catholic Bishops Clash Over Key Issues

On a recent Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with a delegation from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, led by Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso. The bishops expressed concerns about widespread hunger and the state of the economy, which they claimed was crushing ordinary families.

President Tinubu countered that hunger has always existed in Nigeria and asserted that his administration's reforms are leading to economic recovery, although benefits have yet to reach all citizens. The bishops also raised doubts about the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting free and fair elections, to which the president responded by assuring them of INEC's neutrality.

He expressed frustration at the bishops' claims of an uneven electoral playing field, stating, "Whoever wants power should be ready to wrestle for it." Cardinal Onaiyekan later elaborated on these discussions during an appearance on Arise TV, indicating that the bishops are not seeking election but are concerned about the nation's direction.