By: Mandy Park
The Peter Obi Media Office has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take seriously the concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), arguing that the administration would benefit more from engaging with the bishops’ observations than dismissing them.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, the media office said the recent exchange between government officials and the Catholic bishops over the state of the nation underscored a broader governance challenge—the growing disconnect between those in power and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
According to the statement, the CBCN’s comments on rising economic hardship, worsening insecurity and the declining living conditions of citizens should not be viewed through a partisan lens but rather as constructive feedback from a respected institution with deep grassroots reach.
The media office argued that Catholic bishops, through their extensive network of dioceses, parishes, schools, healthcare facilities and humanitarian programmes, are uniquely positioned to understand the daily struggles of Nigerians across both rural and urban communities.
It noted that unlike political office holders, who may receive filtered reports from aides and government officials, the bishops interact directly with citizens and are often among the first to witness the effects of inflation, unemployment, food insecurity and other socio-economic challenges.
The statement further warned against the dangers of an “echo chamber” in government, where leaders are shielded from uncomfortable truths by advisers eager to present only favourable reports.
It specifically referenced respected clerics such as John Onaiyekan and Matthew Ndagoso as examples of religious leaders who have consistently offered candid assessments of national issues without partisan considerations.
According to the Obi Media Office, faith leaders have historically played a stabilising role during periods of national uncertainty by providing peaceful and credible platforms for citizens to express their frustrations.
Ignoring or dismissing such interventions, it argued, could widen the trust deficit between the government and the people.
“The pastoral warnings presented by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference are not intended to weaken the government but to ensure that public policies remain connected to the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians,” the statement said.
The media office maintained that President Tinubu should regard the bishops as trusted moral voices and institutional partners rather than political adversaries, stressing that constructive engagement with independent stakeholders would strengthen governance and help bridge the gap between economic reforms and their impact on citizens.
The statement comes amid ongoing public debate over recent remarks by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, which expressed concern about the nation’s economic situation, insecurity and the welfare of Nigerians, prompting differing reactions from government officials and political stakeholders. It added that democratic leadership thrives when governments remain receptive to constructive criticism from credible institutions committed to the public good.
