RismadarVoice Reporters
October 11, 2026
Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has attributed the controversy surrounding his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reactions from individuals he described as government “attack dogs.”
Speaking on a Podcast, the cleric said his earlier television interview attracted widespread attention after some individuals associated with the government publicly criticised his remarks, provoking further reactions from Nigerians.
Onaiyekan explained that the interview was intended to provide additional context to concerns previously presented to President Tinubu by Catholic bishops during a meeting with him.
He maintained that his comments reflected the position of the bishops rather than a personal disagreement with the President.
According to the cardinal, the controversy intensified because of the manner in which some government supporters responded to the issues raised.
“I think the main reason was that — I don’t know what pushed them — some of what they call the attack dogs of the government went out of their way to make certain statements that were not helpful even for government,” he said.
Onaiyekan argued that the responses generated unnecessary public debate, adding that he deliberately avoided engaging in further exchanges.
The cleric also revisited his earlier statement that President Tinubu appeared unhappy with the concerns presented by the bishops during their meeting.
He explained that the delegation had anticipated such a reaction because its purpose was to communicate the difficulties confronting Nigerians rather than commend the administration.
“We were not expecting Mr President to be happy with us,” he said, stressing that the bishops considered it their responsibility to communicate public concerns.
Onaiyekan maintained that religious leaders should be able to raise issues affecting citizens without their interventions being interpreted as personal or political attacks.
He further questioned the effectiveness of government policies that, in his assessment, had yet to produce sufficient improvements in the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
The cardinal argued that public policies should be assessed primarily through their practical impact on citizens, particularly vulnerable households.
“The proof of its validity must be seen in the life, daily life of the people, and especially of the poorest,” he said.
His latest remarks follow public debate over his earlier criticism of the administration and the economic and social challenges facing Nigerians.
Onaiyekan maintained that the bishops’ intervention was intended to draw attention to those concerns and encourage government action rather than generate political confrontation.
