Middle Belt forum backs Onaiyekan, Catholic bishops over economic warnings

The Middle Belt Forum has publicly backed former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria regarding their criticisms of the nation's economic and security challenges. The forum asserts that the bishops' comments accurately reflect the daily struggles faced by millions of Nigerians. They also condemned what they termed "unwarranted attacks" on the cleric by presidential aides and supporters, emphasizing that discussions about poverty, insecurity, and suffering should not be politicized.

These remarks follow recent exchanges after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference met with President Bola Tinubu. During the meeting, the bishops reportedly voiced concerns over escalating poverty, economic hardship, and insecurity. While President Tinubu maintained that his administration's reforms were yielding positive results, Cardinal Onaiyekan later suggested in an interview that the president might not be receiving accurate information about the true conditions of ordinary Nigerians. This statement drew criticism from some government officials, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who accused the cleric of making political comments.

“

Cardinal Onaiyekan merely echoed what millions of Nigerians experience every day. He spoke neither as a politician nor as an opposition figure. The Cardinal spoke as a patriotic Nigerian and a respected religious leader who has consistently stood for justice, peace and the welfare of all citizens.

The Middle Belt Forum, however, deemed these attacks "unfair, unnecessary and completely misplaced." They argued that Cardinal Onaiyekan was simply voicing the experiences of millions of Nigerians, acting as a patriotic leader rather than a politician or opposition figure. The forum stressed that the situation in the Middle Belt remains particularly dire, with communities enduring continuous attacks from terrorists and armed Fulani militias.

The forum detailed devastating consequences, including thousands killed, millions displaced, and numerous communities destroyed. Farmers are unable to cultivate their lands, families have lost homes and livelihoods, and children are out of school. Countless widows, orphans, and the elderly now rely on humanitarian assistance for survival. Despite these challenges, the MBF acknowledged the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and security agencies.

“

The consequences have been devastating. Farmers can no longer cultivate their land. Families have lost their homes, businesses and means of livelihood. Children have been forced out of school, while countless widows, orphans and elderly people now depend on humanitarian assistance simply to survive.