John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, has issued a stark warning about Nigeria's worsening economic conditions, directly criticising the federal government's approach to fighting corruption and systemic fraud.
A Nation in "Deep Recession and Poverty"
In a candid interview with The Guardian on 17 December 2025, Cardinal Onaiyekan stated that while a privileged few in authority are thriving, the vast majority of Nigerians have been plunged into severe hardship. He argued that the government's narrative of "inevitable growing pains" for a future better Nigeria demands an unjustified "act of faith" from a populace with little reason to trust.
He expressed particular concern for the nation's youth, noting their palpable fear and desperation to emigrate. "No government should be proud of this," Onaiyekan declared, highlighting a profound failure in governance.
"Insincere" Anti-Corruption Fight and Subsidy Secrecy
The cleric was scathing in his assessment of the government's anti-corruption efforts, describing them as lacking sincere commitment and political will. "Sacred cows will continue to thrive in impunity," he warned, suggesting that without genuine moral resolve, anti-graft agencies will remain ineffective.
Onaiyekan specifically questioned the opacity surrounding the fuel subsidy regime. He pointed to ongoing allegations of "trillion-naira subsidy fraud" continuing two years after its official removal, and challenged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for its apparent inability to track the flow of subsidies and refined fuel into the country. "We are hearing that despite the loud declaration of removal of subsidy, the fraud is still continuing until now," he stated.
Call for New Politics and Electoral Reform Ahead of 2027
Cardinal Onaiyekan observed a significant shift in public sentiment against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He dismissed recent political defections to the party as "purely selfish posturing" and a "power grab" rather than an act of service to the people.
Looking ahead, he called for more than just a coalition of existing parties. He advocated for a "brand new body" built on a fresh concept of politics as selfless service, not a tool for power and enrichment.
Most critically, Onaiyekan stressed that meaningful electoral reform is a non-negotiable prerequisite for the 2027 general elections. He insisted on the establishment of a truly independent and competent electoral commission. He warned that if rumours are true that the political elite are blocking reforms to preserve rigging loopholes, then "suffering Nigerians must learn to rise up peacefully but decisively to defend our right to freely choose our leaders."
His comments directly contradict claims by the Minister of Information and Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who recently stated that President Bola Tinubu's achievements in two years surpass those of past administrations. Onaiyekan firmly rejected this, calling such assertions a "great disservice" to the President, who he said needs to hear the truth about the nation's condition.
