Presidency faults Onaiyekan’s interview on Tinubu’s meeting with bishops

Nigeria's Presidency has sharply criticized Cardinal John Onaiyekan's recent television interview concerning a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. The presidency labeled the interview as inappropriate and a violation of the privilege associated with clerical office.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, issued a statement asserting that the bishops had requested the audience with President Tinubu. According to Ajayi, the President listened to their concerns on the nation's economic, social, and security challenges before responding. The presidency argued that the discussion should have remained private, and the bishops' assessment of the country's situation was a perspective open to scrutiny and rebuttal.

Ajayi stated that President Tinubu responded to the bishops' concerns with factual information, addressing economic reforms, security issues, and the matter of mission school ownership. He explained that school ownership falls under state government jurisdiction and suggested the bishops engage governors. Tinubu also reminded the delegation of his action in returning mission schools in Lagos State during his tenure as governor.

The presidential aide acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians face but maintained that the administration has established a foundation for economic recovery. He emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure more citizens benefit from these reforms. "President Tinubu did not pretend that Nigeria’s problems had disappeared. He acknowledged that significant economic and security challenges remain," Ajayi said, adding that the country has moved past a "dark tunnel" and the next phase is to ensure widespread gains.

Regarding the economy, Ajayi defended the administration's policies, citing a severe fiscal crisis inherited and steps taken to restore stability. He claimed improved fiscal management has enabled many states to meet obligations like salary and pension payments. On security, he noted that while challenges persist, progress has been made by military and intelligence agencies, with the President having access to operational briefings providing a broader view than public reports. The presidency concluded that while the Catholic Bishops are important stakeholders, they are not the sole group qualified to speak on the nation's state.

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President Tinubu did not pretend that Nigeria’s problems had disappeared. He acknowledged that significant economic and security challenges remain. His point was that the country has emerged from a dark tunnel, that his administration has laid the foundations for recovery and that the next phase is to ensure the greatest number of Nigerians feels the gains.