The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as sustained attacks on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), warning that Nigeria is becoming increasingly hostile to truth and constructive criticism.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his official social media page while reacting to criticisms directed at the Catholic Church over its comments on the country’s economic and security situation.
The former Anambra State governor said the Catholic Church has consistently served as the conscience of the nation rather than acting as an opposition group.
According to him, the CBCN has always commended governments where necessary and spoken out whenever national interest required it.
“The Catholic Church has never functioned as an opposition party in Nigeria. Across military regimes and successive democratic administrations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has maintained a principled voice on national issues and the nation’s conscience,” Obi said.
He noted that other major religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), have also repeatedly raised concerns over insecurity, poverty, inflation and unemployment.
Obi said these organisations speak out because they witness the daily hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that leaders should welcome honest criticism instead of attacking individuals and groups highlighting the nation’s challenges.
“As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience as governor of Anambra State, Obi said constructive criticism from traditional rulers and religious leaders contributed significantly to improvements recorded in education and healthcare during his administration.
He also condemned attacks on Cardinal John Onaiyekan following the bishops’ remarks, insisting that respected religious leaders should not be vilified for expressing genuine concerns about national issues.
Obi recalled that during the military era, Pope John Paul II openly challenged the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, over the detention of Chief Moshood Abiola without attracting personal attacks.
He further accused political leaders of exploiting religion and ethnicity to divert attention from issues affecting Nigerians.
According to him, insecurity, inflation, unemployment and economic hardship affect citizens regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
“The bishops merely expressed what millions of Nigerians experience daily: insecurity has worsened, poverty is deepening, inflation is crippling families, businesses are struggling, and hope is fading,” Obi said.
He maintained that rather than responding with personal attacks, the government should focus on addressing the concerns raised and reassure Nigerians through policies that improve security, strengthen the economy and restore public confidence.
About the Author
