ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as attacks by the Presidency and its supporters against the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), saying governments must be willing to accept criticism and listen to voices that speak truth to power.
Obi’s reaction followed recent exchanges between the Presidency and the Catholic bishops after the CBCN delegation visited the Presidential Villa and raised concerns over Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation.
In a statement on Tuesday titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” the former Anambra State governor argued that the growing intolerance of criticism by public officials reflects a dangerous trend that could undermine democratic governance.
He said recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who reportedly described Nigeria as “a now disgraced country,” should serve as a wake-up call rather than provoke denial or hostility toward those highlighting the nation’s challenges.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s economic and security conditions continue to deteriorate, making it imperative for leaders to embrace constructive criticism instead of attacking those who raise legitimate concerns.
“The painful reality is that Nigeria’s challenges continue to deepen. Each passing day reveals deeper signs of decline, especially when a government becomes increasingly intolerant of truth and hostile to those who speak about the suffering of the people,” he said.
The former governor noted that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference has historically maintained an independent and principled position on national issues, regardless of the administration in power.
He said the conference has consistently praised governments when necessary while speaking out whenever national interest demanded, stressing that its interventions are rooted in moral responsibility rather than partisan politics.
According to Obi, the same tradition has been demonstrated by major Islamic and Christian organisations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
He noted that religious leaders across the country routinely witness the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians and therefore have a moral obligation to speak on issues such as insecurity, inflation, unemployment, poverty and the rising cost of living.
Obi said political leaders should see such interventions as opportunities for reflection rather than reasons for confrontation.
“As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled that he worked closely with traditional rulers and religious leaders who openly criticised his administration and offered policy recommendations.
According to him, such constructive engagement contributed significantly to improvements in key sectors, including education and healthcare.
He expressed concern over what he described as personal attacks directed at Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing the respected Catholic cleric as one of Africa’s most accomplished church leaders.
Obi noted that Onaiyekan, who recorded the best Higher School Certificate result in the old Northern Region in 1962, rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church to become a Cardinal and has spent decades promoting peace, interfaith dialogue, scholarship and national unity.
He argued that vilifying such a respected figure for expressing concern over national issues diminishes public discourse and signals growing intolerance for dissent.
The NDC presidential candidate also accused some presidential aides of attempting to portray the bishops’ intervention as a religious issue instead of addressing the substance of their concerns.
He questioned whether insecurity, poverty, inflation, unemployment and economic hardship affect only one religious or ethnic group.
“These challenges do not recognise religious or tribal boundaries. They affect every Nigerian regardless of faith or ethnicity,” he stated.
Obi maintained that the bishops merely articulated the realities confronting millions of Nigerians daily, including worsening insecurity, rising poverty, struggling businesses and declining public confidence.
He said previous administrations often acknowledged similar observations from religious bodies, even when they disagreed with their conclusions.
Rather than responding with personal attacks, Obi said the appropriate response should have been to address the concerns raised and explain measures being taken to alleviate the country’s challenges.
He argued that history has consistently shown that religious leaders play an important role in holding governments accountable, recalling that both Christian and Muslim organisations criticised previous military and civilian administrations, including those of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi further warned that governments become disconnected from reality when they surround themselves with sycophants instead of advisers willing to present uncomfortable truths.
He said effective leadership depends on honest feedback, adding that rewarding praise while discouraging criticism ultimately weakens governance.
“The CBCN did not insult the President. It simply gave voice to the suffering of Nigerians. The proper response was to thoughtfully address the issues raised, not attack those who raised them,” he said.
He urged religious leaders to remain steadfast in speaking out against injustice and hardship, insisting that silence in the face of suffering would amount to abandoning their moral responsibility.
“The greatest service those around President Tinubu can render him is an honest appraisal of the situation. A leader who hears only praise will never fully understand the pain of his people or find the clarity needed to correct what is wrong,” Obi added.
