Who does Cardinal John Onaiyekan support? FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says the answer is already known, as he responds to the Cardinal’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Wike said religious leaders should give objective views on government policies rather than take political sides.
“I’m aware of Cardinal Onaiyekan’s position. It’s not hidden who he supports. Everybody knows that,” Wike said.
He also recalled the 2023 presidential election, when several religious leaders openly backed political candidates.
“In 2023, religious leaders took sides. It was very open,” the minister said.
Wike did not name the politician he claimed Onaiyekan supports in the remarks.
Why Did Onaiyekan Criticise Tinubu?
Onaiyekan criticised the Tinubu administration after a meeting between the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and the President at the State House in Abuja.
The Cardinal said the bishops raised concerns about the situation in Nigeria, but Tinubu rejected their assessment.
Onaiyekan also said people around the President were giving him an overly positive account of the country.
He said the bishops had a duty to tell Tinubu what they believed was happening in Nigeria, even when their views differed from the government’s position.
The Presidency responded by accusing Onaiyekan of approaching the issue politically rather than spiritually.
What Did Wike Say About Onaiyekan?
Wike said he was not opposed to religious leaders commenting on government policies. Instead, he questioned the value of such comments when a religious leader was seen to support a political side.
“If a religious leader is perceived or seen to be taking a side and it’s very clear, it becomes difficult for people to see those comments as helpful or real,” Wike said.
The minister’s response came as the disagreement between Onaiyekan and the Tinubu administration widened from the economic situation in Nigeria to the political positions of religious leaders.
