I’ll resign from APC if Tinubu disrespects Catholic Church – Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared he would leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu shows disrespect towards the Catholic Church or political opposition. Kalu, who represents Abia North, made this firm stance during a Channels Television interview, addressing the controversy surrounding Tinubu's recent meeting with Catholic bishops.

“

Any day President Tinubu has disrespect for the opposition, or has disrespect for the Catholic Church, I’d resign from the APC. The President can never insult the Catholic bishop, knowing him. The President didn’t say anything that needs apology. If there is anything wrong the Presidency has done, he should apologise.

Kalu asserted that President Tinubu did not insult the Catholic bishops and therefore owes no apology. "Any day President Tinubu has disrespect for the opposition, or has disrespect for the Catholic Church, I’d resign from the APC," Kalu stated. He further defended the President, emphasizing Tinubu's strong ties with the Catholic community, describing him as "one of their best friends." Kalu insisted, "Tinubu by no means insulted the bishops. I didn’t see it."

The senator also suggested that remarks made by Cardinal John Onaiyekan following the meeting might reflect his individual perspective rather than the official position of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. Kalu pointed out that the communiqué issued after the meeting was read by the President of the Conference, implying that individual cardinals and archbishops are entitled to their own opinions.

“

Tinubu has a good relationship with the Catholic Church. Nothing wrong in what the Catholic bishops said. Tinubu is not an enemy to Catholic bishops, one of their best friends. Tinubu by no means insulted the bishops. I didn’t see it.

The controversy stemmed from reports that the bishops informed Tinubu that Nigeria was "bleeding" and facing severe economic hardship. According to Cardinal Onaiyekan, the President disagreed with their assessment of the economy. Kalu, however, maintained that the discussion was public and that Onaiyekan's comments might not represent the collective view of the bishops.

“

The discussion the Catholic bishops had with President Tinubu is not personal. They had cameras there, so it’s a public discussion. Onaiyekan did not go with other Catholic bishops. That might be his opinion.