Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has accused the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, of partisanship, saying the cleric's recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu's administration is not neutral. Speaking at a media parley on Tuesday, August 4, Wike claimed that Onaiyekan openly took sides during the 2023 general election, making his comments on the government less credible.
Background: The Cardinal's Remarks and the Presidency's Response
The controversy began after a recent meeting between President Tinubu and members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Following the closed-door meeting, Cardinal Onaiyekan told an interviewer that those around the President were presenting a “rosy picture” of the country's situation, and suggested that Tinubu was already focused on securing victory in the 2027 presidential election.
The Presidency responded by criticizing Onaiyekan for publicly discussing details of the private meeting, describing his disclosure as an abuse of privilege. Wike, a former Rivers State governor, weighed in on the matter, arguing that public comments by religious leaders should be balanced and that consistent criticism without acknowledging government achievements could be seen as politically motivated.
Wike's Defense of the Administration
“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side, which is very clear, it is very difficult for people to begin to see those comments as being helpful. I am aware of the position of Cardinal Onaiyekan; all of us know, it’s not hidden, whom he supports; everybody knows that,” Wike said.
The FCT minister maintained that while criticism of the government is legitimate, leaders should also recognize areas where progress has been made. “It’s not every time you say things are bad. Nobody has heard you say government has done this well. The point I am trying to make is that, as a leader, you should commend the government when it has done well in certain areas; criticise the government and say, look, you have done this well, but you should improve in these other areas,” he added.
Allegations of Partisanship Among Religious Leaders
Wike also dismissed claims that Catholic bishops remained non-partisan during the 2023 elections. “Don’t tell me they’re not partisan. You know what happened in the 2023 election. People took sides, religious leaders took sides, it was very open. I would be stupid to sit here and let anybody tell me this person is impartial. No. We know ourselves in this country; we know who belongs to where. Who did they support in 2023? It was very obvious,” Wike said.
According to Wike, when a respected public figure consistently focuses on government shortcomings, it becomes difficult for the administration to view such criticism as objective. He stressed that the government is open to constructive feedback but expects recognition of its achievements as well.
Impact and Reactions
The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the Tinubu administration and some religious leaders, particularly over the handling of national issues. Cardinal Onaiyekan, known for his outspokenness on social and political matters, has not publicly responded to Wike's latest comments. However, his earlier remarks have sparked debate about the role of religious leaders in holding governments accountable.
Political analysts suggest that Wike's comments may further polarize opinions, as the 2027 election cycle begins to shape political alignments. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but insiders say the bishops are standing by their call for transparency and good governance.
As the controversy unfolds, Nigerians are watching to see whether this will affect the relationship between the government and the Catholic Church, which has been a vocal critic of economic policies and security challenges under the Tinubu administration.
