Atiku slams Tinubu govt for attacking Catholic bishops after truth-telling on Nigeria's state
Atiku Abubakar, ADC presidential candidate, condemned the Tinubu Presidency's attack on Catholic Church and Cardinal John Onaiyekan after bishops spoke truth to power about Nigeria's state. In a statement by his aide Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Presidency chose intimidation over reflecting on the bishops' message, calling it "yet another demonstration" of growing intolerance for dissent.
He emphasized the Catholic Church's generations-long role as moral voice for poor and oppressed, stating bishops' duty is to "speak truth to power" not "decorate power with praise." Atiku accused Tinubu's media handlers of "arrogance" and "haughtiness" for allegedly selectively editing the bishops' engagement with the President to manufacture a favorable narrative, calling it an "affront to the integrity" of bishops millions hold in esteem.
The ADC candidate urged other religious leaders to emulate the bishops' courage in speaking truth when national interest demands it, noting that attacking respected religious figures simply for refusing to join "the growing army of sycophants" exposes governmental argument bankruptcy. Atiku framed Cardinal Onaiyekan's press engagement - sought after the Presidency tried to dominate the conversation - as a responsible act to place facts on record, not justification for "vile, uncouth and disrespectful" retaliation.
With fuel subsidies removed and naira devalued under Tinubu, religious institutions have increasingly voiced concern over hardship. This latest clash highlights tensions between government and faith leaders over accountability, with Atiku positioning himself as defender of prophetic religious voice against state intimidation. Will religious leaders heed Atiku's call to speak truth despite risks, or will fear of retaliation silence prophetic voices in Nigeria's current climate?