Media personality Rufai Oseni has sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its government for attacking Cardinal John Onaiyekan, who recently spoke out against President Bola Tinubu's administration. Oseni highlighted the party's apparent hypocrisy, noting that the same APC figures once lauded Onaiyekan as a 'voice of reason' when he criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
Cardinal Onaiyekan's Criticism of Tinubu's Government
In an interview with Arise TV, Cardinal Onaiyekan disclosed that during a meeting with President Tinubu on July 28, the President disagreed with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) assessment of the country's economy and security. The Bishops had expressed concerns about the economic hardship, insecurity, and political climate.
Onaiyekan recounted, "When the nation is bleeding, you cannot expect a polite meeting with the Head of State. We told him the economy is not helping our poor people; he told us the economy is doing fine. Frankly speaking, he told us quite clearly that he did not agree with us."
APC's Reaction and Accusations of Hypocrisy
Presidential media aides condemned Onaiyekan's remarks, insisting he was speaking for himself and not all Catholics. However, Oseni, speaking on a morning TV show, called out the APC for its inconsistent stance. He pointed out that in November 2014, the same party celebrated Onaiyekan when he criticized Jonathan's administration.
Oseni said, "In November 2014, a certain Cardinal Onaiyekan came to the villa and said things were not well in the country. This same APC called Cardinal John Onaiyekan a voice of reason. They praised him to the high heavens. This same APC! They said everything good about Cardinal John Onaiyekan. Many of them saw him as the symbol of speaking truth to power. They were happy to take pictures with him in public. They took Cardinal Onaiyekan's criticism and lapped it up."
The Question of Consistency
Oseni questioned what had changed, asking, "Isn't Cardinal Onaiyekan a bastion of speaking truth to power anymore? Oh, there was no problem with Onaiyekan speaking truth to power against Goodluck Jonathan? Can't you see that your hypocrisy speaks so loudly that people can not hear what you say? Can't you see that you are also suffering the economic pangs in this country, that more people are asking you for money and depending on you because you are in government, can't you see that it is hypocritical?"
Onaiyekan's Broader Accusations
Beyond the meeting, Onaiyekan accused the Tinubu administration of focusing on winning elections rather than addressing the country's challenges. During the CBCN's courtesy visit to the President, the bishops informed him of the poor state of the economy and its negative impact on Nigerians, but Tinubu reportedly dismissed their concerns.
The controversy underscores a growing tension between religious leaders and the government, with critics accusing the APC of selective acceptance of criticism. As the economic situation worsens, such clashes may become more frequent, testing the government's tolerance for dissent.
