The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) have taken opposing positions over comments by the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, on the state of the nation.
While Wike accused the cleric of being politically biased, the Northern youths defended him, insisting he merely voiced the hardship millions of Nigerians are facing.
The disagreement followed Cardinal Onaiyekan’s recent interview in which he said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) told President Bola Tinubu that many Nigerians were struggling under the weight of economic hardship and that the government appeared more focused on securing a second term in 2027.
The Presidency had earlier dismissed the comments, with presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala claiming the Cardinal’s views did not represent all Christians and alleging that the Catholic Church was backing Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 election.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said Cardinal Onaiyekan could not be described as an impartial commentator because of his role during the 2023 general elections.
“I know Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It is no secret who he supported. Everybody knows,” Wike said.
According to the FCT minister, while government deserves criticism where necessary, it should also be acknowledged for its achievements.
“It should not always be that everything government does is bad. When government gets something right, commend it. Then point out areas where improvement is needed,” he said.
Wike argued that when public figures consistently criticise the government without recognising any positive efforts, it creates the impression that their views are driven by politics rather than objectivity.
He also rejected claims that religious leaders were non-partisan during the 2023 elections.
“Don’t tell me they are not partisan. We all saw what happened in 2023. Religious leaders openly took sides. It was obvious who many of them supported,” he said.
Wike Questions Bishops’ Position on INEC
The minister also faulted the Catholic Bishops for expressing concern about the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
He challenged the bishops to provide evidence to support their claim.
“When you say INEC is biased, what facts are you relying on? You cannot make such a serious allegation without evidence. Statements like that can influence public opinion, especially coming from an organisation as respected as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference,” Wike said.
Northern Youths Back Onaiyekan
Reacting to Wike’s comments, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria threw its weight behind Cardinal Onaiyekan, saying he simply reflected the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement signed by its National President, Isah Abubakar, the group said the cleric’s remarks on economic hardship, inflation and insecurity echoed the concerns of millions across the country.
The council described Cardinal Onaiyekan as a respected elder statesman who had shown courage by speaking truthfully about the challenges facing Nigerians during the bishops’ meeting with President Tinubu.
It criticised attempts by government officials to attack the messenger instead of addressing the issues raised.
According to the group, public office holders should focus on responding to citizens’ concerns rather than discrediting those who speak out.
The council also urged religious and traditional leaders across the country to continue speaking on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians, justice, accountability and good governance.
It maintained that Cardinal Onaiyekan’s comments resonated with many Nigerians and called on the government to pay closer attention to growing concerns over the country’s economic and security challenges.
