Presidency Responds to Onaiyekan's Economic Claims

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, responded to Archbishop Emeritus John Onaiyekan's statements made during an appearance on Arise Television. Onaiyekan claimed that President Tinubu rejected the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria's assessment of the economy and security during a meeting at the State House.

He stated that the bishops conveyed the struggles of the poor and felt their message was not acknowledged. Bwala, in a post on X, asserted that Onaiyekan was "more political than spiritual" and did not speak for all Christians, but rather for Catholics, whom he alleged support Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Bwala emphasized that Tinubu was justified in disagreeing with the bishops based on factual data regarding Nigeria's economy. He also noted that not all Catholic members support Obi and highlighted the need for a neutral position among Christian bodies.