More appalling APC arrogance! By Donu Kogbara

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, emeritus archbishop of Abuja, has accused President Bola Tinubu of displaying "chronic insensitivity" and "gaslighting" in response to widespread suffering and hunger in Nigeria. Onaiyekan stated that when Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) members visited the presidential villa, they informed Tinubu the country was "bleeding" and expressed deep worry about hunger. The President reportedly disagreed, claiming the economy was "doing fine" and that hunger predated his time in office, thus showing a "reluctance to take responsibility."

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the country was bleeding.

This account, shared by Cardinal Onaiyekan in an interview, sparked an uproar. Opposition politicians, journalists, religious figures, and the public accused the president of insensitivity. Presidential aides quickly defended Tinubu, claiming Onaiyekan breached confidentiality by revealing details of a private meeting. Pro-APC social media influencers reportedly insulted the Cardinal, with some depicting him with demonic horns.

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He disagreed and said the economy is doing fine.

The National Executive Council of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) issued a statement supporting Onaiyekan. They asserted the church's "God-given duty to speak truth to power" and hold leadership accountable. While respecting private engagements, the CLCN argued that issues concerning the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians cannot remain secret. They clarified that the Cardinal "did not reveal secrets" but shared "moral concerns of the church and response of government, which is in the public interest." The council emphasized Onaiyekan's commitment to dialogue and peace, urging continued government-church cooperation for the common good.

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hunger existed before he was born, displaying a reluctance to take responsibility for the hunger that has increased under his watch.

Columnist Donu Kogbara, while acknowledging that Tinubu cannot be blamed for all systemic issues, criticized his perceived arrogance and delusion. She cited an anonymous online article stating that "leadership is judged by results rather than historical context." Kogbara concluded that Tinubu "is the personification of arrogance, delusion and gaslighting."

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It is the Catholic church’s God-given duty to speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable and hold leadership accountable “with truth and charity”.