Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Presidency over its remarks against the Catholic Church and Cardinal John Onaiyekan, describing the comments as an attack on one of Nigeria's most respected moral institutions.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Tinubu administration's response to concerns raised by members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria reflected growing intolerance for dissenting voices.
He accused the Presidency of responding with political attacks instead of addressing the issues highlighted by the bishops about the country's economic and political situation.
According to Atiku, the Catholic Church has consistently defended the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed regardless of which government is in power, stressing that religious leaders have a responsibility to speak truth to those in authority.
He praised the bishops for what he described as their courage in openly expressing concerns about the state of the nation and urged other religious leaders across different faiths to also speak out whenever national interest requires it.
The former vice president also defended Cardinal John Onaiyekan's decision to address the media after the meeting, saying the cleric merely sought to present the facts after what he alleged was an attempt by the Presidency to shape public perception of the engagement.
Atiku further accused government officials of trying to undermine the credibility of the Catholic bishops by selectively presenting details of their meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
He warned that democracy cannot thrive if religious leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens are attacked for expressing independent opinions.
The ADC presidential candidate also argued that criticising respected clerics would not solve Nigeria's economic and security challenges, including rising poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and the increasing cost of living.
Calling for reconciliation, Atiku demanded an immediate and unconditional apology from the Presidency to Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Church, and millions of Catholic faithful across the country, insisting that respect for independent voices is essential in a democratic society.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: