Bwala knocks Onaiyekan, says cardinal spoke for Catholics, not Christians

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, has publicly criticized Cardinal John Onaiyekan over remarks the cardinal made regarding the Nigerian economy and security situation. Bwala took issue with Onaiyekan's comments, asserting that the cardinal represented only the Catholic Church and not the broader Christian community in Nigeria. This dispute emerged after Onaiyekan revealed that President Tinubu had rejected the assessment of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria following their meeting with the president at the State House in Abuja on July 28, 2026. The cardinal shared these details during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time program on Friday. In response to Onaiyekan’s statements, Bwala posted on X on Saturday, suggesting that the cardinal's views aligned with organizations that support Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2027 presidential candidate. Bwala referenced Obi’s 2022 slogan “take back your country,” which he claimed was popularized within Catholic circles. He stated that Onaiyekan was more politically inclined than spiritually motivated, adding that not all Catholic members supported Obi. Bwala emphasized that the president had every right to differ with the bishops' economic analysis, citing factual data and statistical evidence. Bwala also pointed out inconsistencies in the cardinal’s stance, noting that clergy who criticize the government’s economic policies often discourage their congregants from expressing similar concerns. He highlighted how some priests might reprimand members who voice dissatisfaction with their living conditions, urging them instead to maintain a positive outlook despite hardship. Furthermore, Bwala contended that there exists a larger organization encompassing all Christians, including Catholics, whose neutrality should not be compromised by political influence. During his interview, Onaiyekan stated that President Tinubu clearly conveyed to the bishops that he did not agree with their interpretation of the economy. According to the cardinal, the president asserted that the economy was performing well, contradicting the bishops’ assertion that ordinary citizens were experiencing hardship. Onaiyekan maintained that the bishops had no political ambitions and that their involvement stemmed from a responsibility to address matters impacting the well-being of Nigerians. The cardinal also voiced concerns about the potential for a one-party dominance in Nigeria and advocated for reforms within the Independent National Electoral Commission. He argued that public trust in the commission’s impartiality would remain uncertain while the president retained authority over its leadership appointments. His call for electoral reform underscores ongoing debates about governance and transparency in Nigeria’s political landscape. As the discourse continues, the positions held by both Bwala and Onaiyekan reflect deeper tensions between religious leaders and the executive branch concerning national policy and public perception. These exchanges highlight the complex interplay between faith-based organizations and governmental structures in shaping the socio-economic narrative of the nation.