Cardinal Onaiyekan’s Abuse Of Clerical Privilege

Cardinal John Onaiyekan's decision to give a television interview detailing a private meeting between the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu is viewed by the author as an inappropriate abuse of clerical privilege. The bishops had requested an audience with the president to present their assessment of Nigeria's economic, social, and security issues.

During the meeting, the bishops offered a critical perspective on the administration's performance, with the exception of a brief acknowledgement of the NELFUND initiative. President Tinubu listened patiently and responded directly to each point raised, challenging the bishops' characterization of the country's situation. He highlighted measurable progress in various sectors while acknowledging that significant economic and security challenges persist.

The President emphasized that his administration has established the groundwork for recovery and is focused on ensuring the benefits reach a wider population. He pointed out that issues like the return of schools to their owners are matters for state governments, not the federal level, referencing his own experience as governor of Lagos State.

The author contends that governing a nation of over 200 million people involves making complex decisions with competing interests and limited resources, a stark contrast to leading a church. While every interest group has the right to voice demands, the president must navigate these complexities daily, inevitably disappointing some. The author concludes that no president can instantly resolve Nigeria's deep-seated problems, and it is easier to list problems than to acknowledge averted disasters or the foundational work being done.