Presidency wrong to attack Catholic Bishops, Onaiyekan — Amaechi

By Precious Mark

Former Minister of Transportation and Vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has faulted the Presidency over its response to the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Amaechi dismissed claims that the Catholic cleric was taking political sides or acting out of partisan interest.

“That’s where they make a mistake, Cardinal Onaiyekan himself supports nobody.”

“I see Cardinal Onaiyekan regularly. I worship in his private chapel. He has no political leaning,” Amaechi said.

“I have had several conversations with him. The only thing that pains him is the level of indiscretion and poverty in the country, and corruption. He worries about that,” Amaechi explained.

Accusing the administration of attempting to silence critical voices ahead of future political contests, Amaechi argued that the attacks were intended to intimidate religious leaders and citizens alike.

“I just think that they are trying to intimidate Cardinal Onaiyekan. Because the election is very far away, so they are trying to intimidate him the way that they are trying to intimidate the population,” he added.

Defending the right of faith leaders to hold public officers accountable, Amaechi stressed that religious figures have a duty to speak out against bad governance and societal hardship.

“Should religious leaders openly criticize government? Of course! If they don’t, who else can?” Amaechi queried.

Drawing parallels with international political events, Amaechi pointed out that political leaders often face public backlash when attacking respected spiritual leaders.

“The Pope was against the war, and Trump came after him. Trump went after the Pope, so why did Trump keep quiet? Because the Catholics in America told him off. The Catholics in America said, you can’t say that of our Pope,” Amaechi noted.

Highlighting the numerical strength and standing of the Catholic community in Nigeria, Amaechi cautioned government officials against disparaging church leaders.

Reflecting on his tenure under the previous administration, Amaechi recalled how government officials responded when religious bodies raised concerns over national issues.

“When the Catholic Church came after Buhari, I was in Buhari’s government and I am a Catholic. You know what we did? We all kept quiet and looked at what the issues were to be addressed. The issues that brought them out to the streets was insecurity, and it is worse now,” Amaechi revealed.

Emphasizing the educational qualifications and high standing of Catholic bishops, Amaechi urged the administration to engage them with respect rather than hostility.

“In the Catholic Church, to qualify to be a bishop, you must have a PhD,” Amaechi stated.

Amaechi concluded by reiterating that his appearance was to defend his faith and religious leaders against undue attacks, adding that full political debates will take place once formal election campaigns open.