Comrade Nwabueze Clifford, a Rivers youth leader, has cautioned Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, to refrain from intervening in political matters and focus on his religious duties.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Clifford accused the respected Catholic cleric of overstepping his spiritual role by making comments that border on partisan politics.
“Cardinal Onaiyekan should stay away from politics and mind his business,” Clifford said. “The pulpit is not a political platform. We urge him to concentrate on spiritual guidance and leave the affairs of governance to those elected by the people.”
He argued that religious leaders who venture into partisan commentary risk dividing the faithful and undermining the neutrality expected of the church. Clifford insisted that Nigeria’s political challenges should be addressed through democratic institutions rather than clerical interventions.
Cardinal Onaiyekan, a long-standing voice on national issues, has in recent weeks spoken critically about governance, economic hardship, and the state of democracy in Nigeria. His remarks have drawn both praise from some quarters and sharp reactions from government supporters.
Clifford maintained that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, religious figures of high standing should exercise restraint to avoid being drawn into political controversies.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no immediate response from Cardinal Onaiyekan or the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.
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