Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has responded to criticism from the Nigerian Presidency following his comments after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he has no reason to feel embarrassed by what he said. Speaking during an interview, Onaiyekan emphasized that he did not speak to please the government or anyone else, but to tell the truth as he saw it.
Cardinal Onaiyekan Declares He Cannot Be Embarrassed
“I cannot be embarrassed. I’m 82 years old. Nobody can embarrass me,” Onaiyekan stated during the interview. He added that he was not afraid of being arrested or intimidated, noting that Nigerians should not take for granted the ability to speak openly about issues affecting the country. The Cardinal explained that he spoke for his fellow bishops, reinforcing that his remarks were not intended to provoke the government but to address pressing national concerns.
Support From Religious Leaders Across Faiths
Onaiyekan also noted that other voices, including people on social media and religious leaders from different faiths, had supported the concerns raised by the bishops. According to him, Catholic and non-Catholic religious leaders, including Muslim leaders, are all affected by the country’s challenges, particularly poverty and hardship. “When it comes to what is happening to Nigeria, the poverty, the suffering, we are all in the same boat now,” he said.
Broader Impact of Poverty and Hardship in Nigeria
The Cardinal’s comments come amid widespread economic difficulties in Nigeria, where many citizens face rising costs of living and limited access to basic necessities. Onaiyekan’s remarks highlight the shared burden of these challenges across religious and social divides, underscoring the need for open dialogue about the country’s direction. The Presidency had previously criticized the Cardinal’s statements, but Onaiyekan remains steadfast in his position, insisting that speaking truth to power is a duty he will not abandon.
