Heed Catholic bishops’ warning on economy, Timi Frank tells Tinubu

Timi Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary for Nigeria's All Progressives Congress, has commended the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria for their bold stance in addressing President Bola Tinubu on the nation's severe economic and political issues. Frank described the bishops' actions as demonstrating "uncommon leadership" for speaking directly to the president about the country's economic hardship and the future of its democracy.

In a statement released in Abuja, Frank applauded the bishops for their courage, noting it has been a long time since Nigerian religious leaders have shown such bravery. "We commend the Catholic leaders for their courage. We have not seen this kind of courage from religious leaders in Nigeria for a long time. They were brave enough to look the President in the face and tell him the bitter truth," he said.

“

We commend the Catholic leaders for their courage. We have not seen this kind of courage from religious leaders in Nigeria for a long time. They were brave enough to look the President in the face and tell him the bitter truth.

Frank urged President Tinubu to seriously consider the bishops' observations, suggesting that acting on their recommendations would help restore public confidence in his administration. "The President should heed their advice. By doing so, he will save himself from further embarrassment. These are true leaders, and we expect other religious bodies to follow the example set by the Catholic leaders," he added.

“

The President should heed their advice. By doing so, he will save himself from further embarrassment. These are true leaders, and we expect other religious bodies to follow the example set by the Catholic leaders.

The former APC spokesman also challenged Christian and Muslim leaders across Nigeria to be more vocal about national issues. He criticized the tendency of some religious leaders to limit their interactions with government officials to prayers and ceremonial visits, arguing that they have a moral duty to hold those in power accountable, especially during times of widespread economic hardship and insecurity.

"When they have the opportunity to tell the president the truth, they simply say they are praying for him. But they know the truth. They know the damage that has been done in this country. How long will they continue to sit and pray when they should be speaking the truth?" Frank questioned. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria has a history of using its engagements with various administrations to voice concerns on critical national issues, including insecurity, economic struggles, governance, corruption, and the protection of democratic institutions. Their recent interactions with Tinubu reportedly included calls for the government to address worsening living conditions, strengthen democratic institutions, and prevent actions that could undermine Nigeria's multi-party democracy.

“

When they have the opportunity to tell the president the truth, they simply say they are praying for him. But they know the truth. They know the damage that has been done in this country. How long will they continue to sit and pray when they should be speaking the truth?