Obi urges President Tinubu to accept constructive criticism, condemns attacks on catholic Bishops
By Sunny A. David, Awka
A former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as increasing intolerance of dissent by the Federal Government, urging President Bola Tinubu to embrace constructive criticism rather than attack those who raise concerns about the nation’s challenges.
In a statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi said Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, inflation and unemployment demand honest engagement from leaders instead of hostility toward critics.
The former governor defended the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), describing it as a respected moral institution that has consistently spoken on national issues in the interest of the common good, rather than serving as a political opposition platform.
Obi noted that other major religious organisations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), have also repeatedly expressed concerns over insecurity, poverty, inflation and the general hardship facing Nigerians.
According to him, religious leaders are often among the first to witness the suffering of citizens because of their close interaction with communities where families grapple daily with high living costs, unemployment and security challenges.
Drawing from his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi said his administration benefited greatly from constructive advice and criticism offered by traditional rulers and religious leaders, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
He stressed that leaders should be willing to listen to honest opinions and accept criticism in the interest of good governance and national development.
Obi also expressed concern over recent attacks directed at the Catholic Bishops and Cardinal John Onaiyekan following the bishops’ assessment of the country’s condition. He recalled that when Pope John Paul II visited Nigeria in 1998 and criticised the military government of the late General Sani Abacha over national issues, including the detention of Chief Moshood Abiola, the Pope was not subjected to public attacks.
The former presidential candidate further pointed to what he described as a contradiction in the Federal Government’s relationship with the Catholic Church. He observed that President Tinubu showed respect for the Church during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome but questioned why criticism from Nigerian Catholic bishops has since attracted hostile reactions.
Obi warned against attempts to politicise or ethnicise the concerns raised by the bishops, insisting that issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and inflation affect all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnic background.
He maintained that democratic governance thrives when leaders are open to sincere feedback from credible institutions and urged the government to focus on addressing the nation’s challenges instead of attacking respected religious leaders who speak on behalf of the people.
