Bode George Urges Cardinal Onaiyekan to Stay Resilient

Chief Olabode George, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), referred to John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, as the “Desmond Tutu of Nigeria.” He urged Onaiyekan to disregard recent criticisms from aides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the cleric's comments on national issues. George emphasized that Onaiyekan should draw inspiration from Tutu, who was known for his outspoken stance against injustice.

He criticized remarks from government officials suggesting that Onaiyekan was only representing Catholics or working for the opposition, asserting that the issues at hand transcend religious and partisan lines. George also drew a biblical parallel, likening the attacks on Onaiyekan to the crowd's choice of Barabbas over Jesus.

He urged Onaiyekan to continue advising the government on policies to improve Nigeria and called for respect towards the cleric due to his age and status as a cardinal involved in papal elections.