Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government over what he described as growing intolerance of criticism, saying attacks on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and Cardinal John Onaiyekan reflect a government that is increasingly hostile to the truth.
In a statement titled “When a Government Declares War on the Truth,” Obi said Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, inflation, unemployment and widespread poverty, continue to worsen, arguing that those who speak about the suffering of citizens should not be vilified.
He maintained that the Catholic Church has never acted as a political opposition, noting that the CBCN has consistently served as the nation’s moral conscience by commending governments when necessary and criticising policies when national interest demands it.
Obi added that other major religious organisations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), have also repeatedly raised concerns over the country’s economic and security situation.
Reflecting on his time as Governor of Anambra State, Obi said he welcomed constructive criticism from traditional rulers and religious leaders, particularly under the leadership of the Obi of Onitsha, noting that their feedback contributed to improvements in education and healthcare during his administration.
The former governor expressed concern over what he described as attacks on Cardinal John Onaiyekan following the CBCN’s recent comments on the state of the nation. He recalled that when Pope John Paul II criticised the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, during his 1998 visit to Nigeria, no campaign of vilification followed.
Obi also accused some presidential aides and supporters of reducing the bishops’ concerns to a religious issue instead of addressing the underlying problems. According to him, insecurity, poverty, inflation and unemployment affect all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He urged political leaders to listen to constructive criticism and focus on addressing the hardships facing citizens rather than attacking individuals and institutions that speak out on national issues.
