COSEYL Defends Cardinal Onaiyekan Against Bwala's Remarks

The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) expressed disappointment over Mr. Daniel Bwala's comments regarding Cardinal John Onaiyekan's statements following the meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

COSEYL President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, stated that Bwala's assertion that Onaiyekan spoke only for Catholics was an unfortunate attempt to divert attention from the serious issues raised by the Cardinal, including hardship, insecurity, hunger, unemployment, and declining living standards in Nigeria. Ibem emphasized that the struggles faced by Nigerians transcend religious affiliations and that Onaiyekan's remarks resonate with a broad spectrum of the populace.

COSEYL condemned any efforts to intimidate or discredit religious leaders for voicing concerns about national issues, asserting that democracy thrives on constructive criticism. They called for the government to engage in open dialogue rather than attack those who express uncomfortable truths.