Obi criticizes attacks on Catholic bishops

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress, issued a statement titled 'When a Government Declares War on the Truth' criticizing the Federal Government's response to recent comments by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (CBCN) and Cardinal John Onaiyekan. Obi defended the bishops as the nation's moral conscience, arguing they have consistently spoken truth to power under both military and democratic governments. He urged President Bola Tinubu to embrace constructive criticism rather than attack religious leaders. Obi noted that other religious organizations, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Jama atu Nasril Islam, and the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, have also raised concerns about insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and poverty. He drew on his experience as governor of Nigeria — Anambra State, where he benefited from criticism from religious and traditional leaders. Obi also referenced Pope John Paul II's 1998 visit to Nigeria, during which the pontiff challenged General Sani Abacha over the detention of Moshood Abiola without facing personal attacks. He questioned the inconsistency in the government's posture, noting that Tinubu attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XVI in Rome but later allowed criticism of the bishops. Obi accused political leaders of exploiting religion and ethnicity to divert attention from national issues.