By Philippine Duru

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Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Presidency of displaying growing intolerance to dissent following its criticism of Cardinal John Onaiyekan over remarks the Catholic cleric made after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku condemned what he described as the Presidency’s verbal attack on the former Archbishop of Abuja, insisting that rather than address the concerns raised by the Catholic bishops about the state of the nation, government officials chose to attack the messenger.

The former Vice President said the Presidency’s response reflected an increasing unwillingness to tolerate opposing views, warning that democratic governance thrives on constructive criticism and the free expression of opinions by citizens, religious leaders and civil society organisations.

According to Atiku, Cardinal Onaiyekan merely sought to place on record the outcome of the bishops’ engagement with President Tinubu, during which issues affecting Nigerians, including economic hardship and national challenges, were reportedly discussed. He argued that responding with personal attacks against the cleric was both unnecessary and unbecoming of a democratic government.

Atiku also defended the independence of the Catholic Church, stating that Catholic bishops are not political actors or instruments of propaganda but spiritual leaders with a moral responsibility to speak truth to power regardless of who occupies public office.

“Perhaps the Presidency has become so accustomed to inviting ‘fake bishops’ that it now assumes every cleric can be recruited into political propaganda. But Catholic bishops are different. They are not political props, rented cheerleaders or praise singers,” the statement said.

He further argued that the Catholic Church has consistently served as a moral compass in Nigeria by speaking on issues affecting the poor, vulnerable and the broader society, irrespective of the government in power.

The ADC presidential candidate alleged that instead of responding to the substance of the bishops’ observations, the Presidency attempted to reshape public perception of the meeting by selectively presenting its outcome and discrediting Cardinal Onaiyekan’s account. He maintained that such actions undermine democratic values and public confidence in government.

Atiku consequently called on the Presidency to tender an unreserved apology to Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Church and the country’s Catholic faithful, insisting that respectful engagement with critical voices is essential in any constitutional democracy.

He warned that democracy cannot flourish where independent voices are intimidated or vilified for expressing legitimate concerns about governance, adding that governments should welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve policies and address the challenges confronting citizens.

The exchange followed Cardinal Onaiyekan’s comments after the Catholic bishops’ meeting with President Tinubu, in which he said the bishops frankly informed the President that “the nation is bleeding” and that many Nigerians were facing severe economic hardship. The Presidency subsequently criticised the cleric’s remarks, prompting reactions from opposition figures and other public commentators.